DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Headquarters United States Marine Corps Washington, DC 20380-1775 21 February 1997 FOREWORD

Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 4, Logistics, de-

scribes the theory and philosophy of military logistics as practiced by the United States Marine Corps. It provides all Marines a conceptual framework for the understanding and
practice of effective logistics. The Marine Corps' view of logistics is based on our common understanding of the nature of war and on our warfighting philosophy as described in MCDP
1, Warfighting.

Our doctrine recognizes that logistics is an integral part of

warfighting. Logistics provides the resources of combat
power, brings those resources to the battle, and sustains them throughout the course of operations. Our approach to logistics recognizes that war is conducted in an environment of complexity, fluidity, disorder, and uncertainty and seeks to provide the commander with the physical means to win in this environment. Our logistic capabilities extend our operational

limits, allowing us to anticipate requirements while remaining flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing conditions in the battlespace.

Chapter 1 is based upon the assumption that in order to develop an effective philosophy of logistics, we must first de-

velop a realistic understanding of the nature of logistics.
Based upon this understanding, chapter 2 discusses the theoretical aspects of logistics. Building upon the conclusions of the preceding chapters, chapter 3 describes the basic approach of the Marine Corps to logistics.

MCDP 4, Logistics, does not supersede any current doctrinal publication. It provides the authoritative basis for the subsequent development of logistic doctrine, education, training, equipment, procedures, and organization. Logistics affords no specific techniques or procedures for logistic activities; rather, it offers broad guidance which requires judgment in its application. Other publications in the logistics series of Marine Corps warfighting publications provide specific tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Marine Corps logistic doctrine applies across the full
spectrum of conflict from peacekeeping or humanitarian assistance operations on one hand to general war on the other. Furthermore, this publication pertains equally to small-unit leaders and senior commanders. Since logistics is an essential

MCDP4
Logistics
Chapter 1. Logistics Theory
The Evolution of Logistics—The Logistics Process— Functional Areas of Logisfics—Levels of Logistics—
The Logistics System—Distribution Systems—Command
and Control—Effectiveness Versus Efficiency— Approaches to Logistics—Conclusion
. The Nature of Logistics
What Is Logistics?—How Important Is Logistics?—
Characteristics of Logistics—Logistics as Science—Logistics as
Art—Logistics as Relationships—Logistics as Organization—Logistics
as a Complex System—Logistics and War—The Human
Dimension—Violence and Danger—Friction—Uncertainly-.Fluidity—
Disorder—Logistics and Operations—Conclusion
Chapter 2.

—A. Gray. Reinforcements failed to arrive.
. ammunition and food alike ran short. operations on what they know they can do logistically. M. "
—Dwight Eisenhower
[wJe "As we select our forces and plan our operations must understand how logistics can impact on our concepts of Commanders must base all their concepts of operation. Courage his forces had in full measure. In the last stages of the campaign they could do
little more than wait for the Allied advance to sweep over
them.Chapter 1
The Nature of
Logistics
"Throughout the struggle. "2
.
.
. Jr. it was in his logistic inability to maintain his armies in the field that the enemy's fatal weakness lay. and the dearth of fuel
caused their powers of tactical mobility to dwindle to the vanishing point. weapons. but courage was not enough.

.

The common thread that unites these otherwise disparate activities is their relationship to the physical needs of a
3
. include both the simple and the complex. Logistics encompasses a wide range of actions and the relationships among those actions. These actions are all given purpose and definition by the larger art of war.
WHAT IS LOGISTICS?
Logistics is the science of planning and carrying out the
movement and maintenance of forces. positions those resources on the battlefield. This understanding will become the basis for developing a theory of logistics and a practical guide to its application.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
T
o conduct logistics effectively. and range in size from the tiny to the gargantuan. we must first under-
stand its fundamental nature—its purpose and its characteristics—as well as its relationship to the conduct of military operations. of which logistics is a critical and inseparable part. and the movement of vast armadas from one corner of the globe to another.
Actions that fall into the category of logistics are both humble and magnificent. and sustains them throughout the execution of operations.
They include the serving of a single meal. the effective distri-
bution of tens of thousands of separate spare parts. as well as the resources that make those actions possible.3 Logistics provides the resources of combat power.

4
. and supplies. It sustains the military forces throughout the course of operations. In this usage. It delivers these elements to the theater of operations at the time and place dictated by operational requirements. techniques. It returns those forces to their home bases when operations are concluded. logistics describes the process of procurement. distribution. These activities have many points in common with military logistics and can serve as a source of concepts. the term "logistics" therefore describes military logistics. natural resources. provide it with the physical means of waging war. equipment. weapons.
and replacement of resources conducted by corporations. and industrial capacity into units. Logistics transforms manpower. or preserve its combat power for subsequent employment belongs properly to the realm of logistics.Logistics
MCDP 4
military force. and technologies of great interest to
military logisticians.
Logistics can also be described as the bridge which connects a nation's economy to its warfighting forces. Any action that serves to transport a military force from one place to another. Nonetheless. In this publication. Logistics provides the means which translates national resources into combat power. maintenance.
The term "logistics" is also used to describe activities in the civilian or commercial world. civilian logistics lacks the warlike purpose that defines military logistics and is thus fundamentally different. firms. rearming and reequiping them as needed in preparation for the next action. or industries.

but the units that perform
logistics functions for these units are referred to as combat service support elements. and regeneration of those forces after
5
. combat service support has been considered to be essentially the same as tactical logistics. some combat service support is conducted at the operational and strategic levels. page 6.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
The terms "logistics" and "combat service support" are often used interchangeably. It is critical to the creation. This includes the acquisition and positioning of resources as well as the delivery of those resources to the forces. However. For example. and permanent military medical facilities. "Logistics" is the larger of the two concepts. some limited aspects of tactical logistics do not directly correspond to combat service support. and employment of forces as well as to the redeploy-
ment. maintenance. but there is a distinction. fleet hospitals. Since most of the delivery of resources occurs at the tactical level of war. reconstitution. deployment. "Combat service support" is the activity which actually provides services and supplies to the combat forces. Indeed. Marine tactical units have logistics of-
ficers and logistics sections.)
How IMPORTANT IS LOGISTICS?
Logistics is part and parcel of any attempt to conduct military operations. Conversely. health services are provided at the strategic and
operational levels through the use of hospital ships. (See figure 1. Logistics encompasses
all actions required to move and maintain forces.

shelter. the sick and wounded go
untreated. forces cannot reach the battlefield. while logistics sets the limits. logistics establishes limits on what is operationally possible. Without logistics. Without logistics.
Nevertheless. war as a deliberate. military units cannot be raised or equipped. organized activity would be impossible. Logistics and combat service support. Without logistics. the goal of our
logistics effort is to extend those limits as far as possible.
their employment. weapons go without ammunition.
6
. and clothing. vehicles go without fuel.Logistics
MCDP 4
Figure 1. troops go without food. Thus. Without logistics. equip-
ment breaks and stands idle.

or it can occur relatively quickly. Whenever military units are employed. they must be deployed and sustained. and support them once engaged invariably leads to deterioration of the forces' material condition. At the strategic level. However. In fact. particularly in the 20th century. or even a training exercise. the resources available to create and sustain combat power are almost always limited. Logis-
tics helps to ensure the effective use of limited resources. Demand usually exceeds supply. move them to the front. The conduct of war or military operations other
than war normally requires extensive resources. and tactical capability. the inability of a nation to generate sufficient forces.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
Logistics plays a significant role in any military action."
Logistics is concerned with the provision and allocation of resources.
Logistics by itself cannot win wars. often leading to collapse and defeat. whether the action is part of a war. logistics is always "on.
This deterioration can be slow. a military operation other than war. Both the will and the ability to fight
erode. logistic activities are conducted much the same way in peace as they are in war or military operations other than war. but it has been the major contributing factor in losing many wars. Unlike certain functions which are conducted only in war. as in the European theater during World War II. as it did in Desert Storm.
7
. morale. Logistics assists the commander in making best use of the
available resources to accomplish the mission.

the logistics capabilities of the adversary are often critical vulnerabilities. Major operations within a campaign are frequently conducted solely for the purpose of developing the logistics capability required to sustain the campaign as a whole. History is filled with examples of forces
missing or failing to exploit opportunities because of their inability to logisticly sustain gains resulting from success in in-
dividual battles or engagements.
Logistics is so important that it frequently shapes the designs of campaigns. Grand schemes and operational designs never get off the drawing board for want of adequate lo-
gistic support. primarily due to their inability to support the advancing units. and engagements.Logistics
MCDP 4
The impact of logistics inadequacies at the operational and tactical levels is similar. and combat service support units are always key targets and often become the focal point for engagements and attacks. what they could not do was exploit the penetrations once made. On the Western front in
World War I. battles. lines of communications. The island-hopping campaign in the Pacific during World War II was largely dictated by the need to acquire advanced air and naval bases necessary to support forces striking at the Japanese homeland. because of their importance to military effectiveness. supply bases. Conversely.
8
. both sides repeatedly demonstrated that it was possible to penetrate the lines of defensive trenches and fortifications.

logistics is the most concrete. and the spare parts needed to support a certain fleet of vehicles can all be calculated ahead of
time. The number and types of ships needed to move a
given force from one place to another. the fuel consumed by a unit making a road march. and rules that can be put to use by those who can study and master them. Because of this greater degree of regularity. relationships. logistics is an area in which extensive calculation is both possible and nec-
essary. particularly one limited to a single sentence or paragraph. will invariably fail to give a complete picture of what logistics is and what good logistics requires.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
CHARACTERISTICS OF LOGISTICS
Logistics is a complex phenomenon that defies easy explanation.
Logistics as Science Of all the major functions that affect the outcome of war. deduction. and rules can form the basis for calculation. within the limits set by the essentially chaotic nature of war. This means that logistics benefits from a body of facts. The tools of the civilian engineer—standard planning
9
. Any short definition. prediction. These facts. Using the basic description of logistics provided above. and. relationships. we now examine the various characteristics of logistics. In fact. logistics has been one of the few aspects of war that has been consistently described as a science.

distance. the relationship between inputs and outcomes is far more regular in logistics than in tactics. formulas. strategy. On the contrary. Nonetheless. or command. In other words. The reason is twofold. This is not to say that logistics is perfectly predictable.
Because logistics is a science. operations. no single theory underlies the many activities that come under the heading of logistics. This means that the logistician must do more than pull planning factors out of a book or apply an
existing template to a new situation. anything that touches upon war. is greatly affected by the chaos that is at the very heart of warfare.
Despite the strong scientific character of logistics. The logistician must
think each problem through. the science of logistics requires that its practitioners understand not only the various elements of logistics but the relationships between
them. calculations. because the obstacles that must be overcome in order to move and sustain forces—time. The first is the great variety of things that must be done in order to move and sustain a fighting organization. understanding the major assumptions that underlie the calculations and the implications of any
change in those assumptions. and certainly something as central to war as logistics. it must be thoroughly understood before it is applied. intelligence. and terrain—are generally passive.Logistics
MCDP 4
factors. and rules of thumb—are thus of great use to logisticians. The second is that logistics is
10
.

in which knowledge may be accumulated for its own sake. development of this vision requires creativity. and intuition to devise practical solutions. it is crucial to develop a vision of what needs to be done and how to do it.
Logistics as Art While some aspects of war fall principally in the realm of science. and will to put that knowledge to use. Thus. To use a simple example. In logistics.
In contrast to the pure sciences. logistics is an applied science. an even greater part of the conduct of war falls in the realm of art. experience. logistics exists solely for the purpose of supporting military operations. skills. Indeed. In addition to technical skill. the purpose of logistics is not to use a particular technique to move so many gallons of fuel or tons of ammunition. tools. Mechanical and inflexible application of procedures and formulas can lead to paralysis and failure. but to ensure that the fuel and ammunition are in the right place at the right time. Art includes the creative application of scientific knowledge through judgment. insight. an endeavor in which the difference between success and failure is a function not only of knowledge but of the techniques. and the ability to recognize and assess risk. a critical and inseparable part of the larger art of war. Logistics must supplement analysis and calculation with
11
. as in all other aspects of war.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
defined less by a set of activities than by its results. the use of logistics is so important that it
makes sense to describe logistics as an art as well as a science.

boldness. Rather. and
highly complex chains of activity."4 However refined.Logistics
MCDP 4
foresight and intuition in order to anticipate future requirements. daring. "the essential thing is action. it is part of logistics. connected by a network of logistics
12
. they are but small steps in long. Other actions are ad hoc.
Logistics as Relationships
In logistics. the movement and maintenance
of forces. Thus. resources pass through the levels of war and many echelons of command. Some of the actions that make up effective logistics are routine and are thus governed by preexisting rules and procedures. extensive. as with any other aspect of the art of war. The common denominator that unites these actions is their relationship to the definitive tasks of logistics. if an action helps to move or maintain a
force. application of these characteristics provides the basis for successful logistics. logisticians must be flexible and ingenious in adapting to the new situation. and a willingness to innovate or even improvise when necessary are required to exercise the art of logistics. it can be translated into the fact of effective logistics only if a large number of people do the right thing at the right time. Creativity. interrelated.
taken in response to particular situations. Originating in the civilian economy. When circumstances change.
The actions that comprise logistics are rarely isolated. When balanced with sound judgment and decisionmaking skills. or accurate the science of logistics may be.

The classic technique for making sense of these relationships is to reduce them into abstractions such as lines of com-
munications.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
systems and processes. creative. Because of this. Nonetheless. and custom-tailored organization. all the logistic activities of even the most rudimentary military force. it is as impossible to speak of logistics without discussing logistics organizations as it is to explain
modern medicine without mentioning hospitals. by narrative or flowchart.
Logistics as Organization Because of its inherent complexity. These abstractions are simultaneously useful and dangerous. kinds of logistics at each level of war. and systematic cooperation of large numbers of people. The intricacy of these relationships quickly becomes evident to anyone who tries fully to describe. any understanding of the logistics of a particular force depends
heavily upon a good sense of the nature of these relationships. These abstractions are dangerous because they mask the inherent complexity of logistic relationships and often make them seem more straightforward than they
really are. logistics requires the sustained. Such cooperation can be achieved only by means of deliberate. They are useful because they provide a shorthand that often captures one or more important
features of a relationship—for example. well-considered.
13
. its scale or geographic location. and
echelons of various sorts.

enemy action. changing their size. Factors such as geography. allows the various parts of a logistics organization to set objectives. by so acting. and measure the usefulness of their work. Initiative makes it possible for all parts to solve the problems that they face and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way in a timely and effective manner.5
The common denominator in all healthy logistics organizations is the combination of a shared vision and initiative. organization. Military forces are constantly evolving. the organization and warfighting philosophy of the forces being moved and maintained. It is even quite possible that the various activities of logistics will be carried out by a number of different organizations. establish standards. promulgated by means of a common organizational culture and the expressed views of leaders. A complex system is any system composed of multiple parts. each one of which must act individually according to its own circumstances and which. and capabilities in response to the environment in
14
. and the dynamics of the war being fought all play a role in determining the best logistics organization for a given force. changes the circumstances affecting all other parts.
Logistics as a Complex System Military organizations and military evolutions are complex systems. composition.Logistics
MCDP 4
The concept and details of organization for logistics can vary greatly. the national economies involved. The shared vision.

the logistics organizations that move and maintain these forces must evolve as
well. Peri-
ods in which the system operates in a regular and orderly
fashion will alternate with periods in which it is in considerable turmoil. At the same time. such extreme regularity is a sign that stagnation has set in and the system is probably not adapting to changing circumstances.6
The most important implication of this is that a logistics
organization will rarely.
LOGISTICS AND WAR
The character of any war is shaped to a significant degree by the logistics concepts and capabilities employed to move and sustain the forces of each belligerent. a healthy logistics organization functions as a complex system. if ever. logistics organizations are likely to function in nonstandard ways. A healthy logistics organization will thus be a work in progress with some ele-
ments in a relatively stable condition and many others in a
state of flux. In times of crisis. what we ask of logistics and what logistics is able to provide are profoundly influenced by the particular circumstances of a
15
. operating within the complex system of the military force it supports.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
which they operate." Indeed. Because of this. achieve a state where "everything goes like clockwork. when circumstances are
changing rapidly and swift adaptation is required. In responding to change.

and goals pur-
sued by the various combatants. climate and weather. and granaries in the theater of operations. style of warfare employed by forces. in places like Spain and Russia. the rapid movement of large masses of men and horses so necessary to Bonaparte's success was no longer possible. campaign. When these supplies were no longer available.7
16
. skill of commanders. technology. because all of these factors may interact with each other to produce unpredictable or undesirable results. population. An army supplied from bases along a single line of communications cannot execute movements. resources. these proved inadequate. but
are not limited to. The style of war employed by a military force is intimately linked to its logistics capabilities. politics. logistics is often affected further by the dynamics of a particular battle or campaign as it
evolves. These circumstances include. geography.
What a military force is physically able to do is limited by
the way it is moved and supplied. fields. The materiel-intensive style of warfare employed by armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam proved successful in the early 1970s. The grand maneuvers that made Bonaparte the master of central Europe were dependent upon the Napoleonic system of drawing the bulk of needed supplies from
towns. culture. when the requisite mountains of supplies were provided by the United States. Moreover.
When. scale. however promising they might be. if those maneuvers take it very far away from that line.Logistics
MCDP 4
war. the same style of warfare was unable to prevent a catastrophic defeat. or battle.

the advantage was control of the sea. Alexander the Great conditioned his troops to march with a minimum of baggage. The winning or losing of a battle. and he developed an intelligence system that made him aware of the location of sources of food and fodder along his route of march.
Just as logistics does much to shape the operations of war.
which allowed operational movement and the provision of logistic support that was largely independent of traditional lines
of communications. the gain or loss of an ally. For his conquest of the Persian empire.MCD? 4
The Nature of Logistics
Great feats of arms have often been made possible by the skillful exploitation of special capabilities in logistics. The dynamic two-division assault into Kuwait conducted by the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) during Desert Storm was made possible by the MEF's
ability to create a massive forward logistic support base in the middle of the desert immediately before the beginning of the ground offensive. and even significant changes in popular opinion and sympathies can often force radical changes in the way that a force is moved and supplied. the changing fortunes of war often have a profound effect on logistics. For the first part of the
17
. For the British fighting in Spain during the Napoleonic wars and the Marines who fought in the mobile phase
of the Korean war. the movement of forces from one geographica' area to another.8 The expeditionary logistics capabilities inherent in modern amphibious forces enabled the 24th Marine
Expeditionary Unit to establish forward support bases hundreds of miles inland in Turkey and northern Iraq in support of humanitarian assistance operations during 1991.

the unstable security situation in Liberia required an extended commitment of amphibious forces. a struggle in which moral factors—resolve. War is a contest between hostile. the size.Logistics
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American War of Independence.) The moral aspect is significant because war is above all a human endeavor.S.
The Human Dimension Though logistics deals primarily with the physical world. As
events unfolded. staying power. Embassy as well as the military units participating in the operation.'° The deployment of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct noncombatant evacuation operations in Liberia during 1990
was initially envisioned as a short-duration mission. and
operational mobility of George Washington's Continental
Army was hampered by a logistics system based on an insuf-
ficient number of wagons moving on poorly maintained
roads. fear. opposing wills.
18
. The alliance with France brought with it the capability to supply the Continental Army by sea and thus made possible the massing and maintenance of the force that won the decisive victory at Yorktown. (The
term moral as used here is not restricted to ethics. in turn necessitating the establishment of an extensive logistics pipeline to support the U. The capture of Seoul by United
Nations' forces in the immediate aftermath of the Inchon
landing in 1950 deprived the North Korean army of its logistics infrastructure and its lines of communications. it has a considerable effect on the moral aspect of war. but pertains to those forces of a psychological rather than a tangible nature.

good logistics reinforces the moral authority of
leaders. will. fairness. physical effect of the looting was to slow down the tempo of the German attack and thus give the Allies time to bring up
19
. effective logistics frees members of that force from preoccupation with their own needs. morale. In other words. By displaying economy. esprit—are often more important than mental or physical ones.
The link between logistics and the human dimension of
war can be seen during World War I in the German spring offensive of 1918. The immediate."
Logistics plays an important role in the cohesion of a fighting force. flexibility. By providing the necessities of life. effective logistics not only gives fighters the means of dealing with the physical challenges they face but also gives them the sense of being part of a large and powerful team. By providing the means of waging war. so great was the sense of privation of many of these soldiers that they looted items that were of no immediate use to them—such as writing paper and shoe polish—sim-
ply because they had been in short supply. a logistics system can foster the sense
that those in charge know what they are doing.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
courage. Because of the repeated failure of the German logistics system to provide adequate food and clothing to frontline troops. many spent their time looting captured Allied supply depots. adaptability. This allows them to focus their physical and mental energies on their military duties. once German soldiers penetrated the Allied
lines. and innovation. Indeed. leadership.

the maintenance of unit cohesion.
While logistics can have a profound effect on morale and combat effectiveness. in logistics as in other aspects of the art of war.Logistics
MCDP 4
reinforcements and establish new defenses. by itself. Leadership.
moral limits are usually reached before absolute physical
ones.
Many of the great feats of arms of military history were preceded by feats of logistics that required an extraordinary degree of courage and self-sacrifice. the psychological effect of the sharp contrast between Allied plenty and German shortages contributed to the widespread belief within the German forces that eventual Allied victory was inevitable. by itself. overcome the firepower of a machine gun. logistics units are composed of human beings whose capacity for action depends heavily on moral factors. More importantly. High morale among logisticians can. no more transport supplies across an ocean than the high morale of infantrymen
can. and the provision of a clear sense of purpose are as important to the motivation and capabilities of logistics units as they are to the performance of military units of other kinds. Like other military units. the performance of the logistics function is greatly affected by the human aspects of warfare as well.
Nonetheless. The 1775 siege of Boston that did so much to convert a local rebellion into the
American War of Independence would not have been possible without the incredible efforts involved in transporting the artillery and supplies captured at Fort Ticonderoga during the
20
.

shortages. However. In some cases. Since war is a violent enterprise. fatigue. Nonetheless. those who practice logistics must often deal with both violence and danger. and supply specialists who tried to make the system work. inherently violent. if ever. because what they do cannot be separated from war as a whole. danger is a fundamental characteristic of war.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
depths of a New England winter. Two centuries later. The famous "Red Ball Express. the
Vietnamese operation of 1954 to capture the French fortress
of Dien Bien Phu in what was then French Indochina depended on the transport of tons of supplies by porters carrying
packs and pushing bicycles along hundreds of miles of
jungle-covered mountain trails. this is the direct resuit of enemy action. mechanics. resulting from risks taken to provide needed support under conditions of bad weather.
Violence and Danger The means of war is force. In other cases. was largely free from significant enemy interference. military policemen. Stress. and the
21
. and the sense of urgency created during combat. the poor quality of roads. Attacks on logistics installations and lines of communications are commonplace in modern warfare. the urgency of the operation put enormous strain on the truck drivers." the logistic operation designed to supply the Allied pursuit following the breakout from the Normandy beachhead. applied in the form of organized violence. The actions that fall into the category of logistics are rarely. the danger faced by those involved in logistics is derivative.

Logistics

MCDP 4

tendency to push vehicles to their mechanical limits resulted in a great number of accidents and many fatalities.'2
Because logistics is a function of war, the logistics system and the units and personnel that operate that system will be subjected to violence and danger. Commanders have an obligation to protect their logistic elements if these elements are to carry out their essential functions in support of operations. At the same time, logistic organizations must prepare for the stresses of combat. The characteristics that enable us to function in the environment of violence and danger—physical fitness, excellence in basic military skills, technical proficiency, leadership, and unit cohesion—are as important to logistic
units as they are to any other type of military organization.

Friction
War is a complex enterprise subject to a multitude of factors. The interaction of these factors, the most important of which is the basic clash of opposing human wills, results in friction. In war, deliberate action of all sorts, to include logistic action, is made difficult by friction, "the force that resists all action." Activities that are a routine part of both civilian and military life in time of peace—the transportation of people and cargo, the distribution of goods, and the provision of services—become harder to carry out in war. Friction can take a number of

forms. Physical friction can be caused by such things as
weather, accidents, or the incompatibility of systems, equip-

ment, or units that were not prepared to work together.
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MCD? 4

The Nature of Logistics

Psychological friction is the distress or disorientation that resuits from fear or fatigue. Both physical and psychological friction are greatly increased by enemy action. Because it has so many causes and so takes many forms— indeed, because it is an inherent part of war—friction cannot be eliminated. It can only be reduced and overcome. A means of reducing friction is simplicity, the achievement of which requires continual efforts to eliminate needless complexity. We can overcome friction through the exercise of initiative,

creativity, and will power throughout the force. Initiative
greatly multiplies the number of minds and wills that take an active part in overcoming friction. Creativity increases the

number of possible solutions to any given problem. Will power brings possible solutions far closer to their absolute
physical limits than would otherwise be the case.

Logistics is subject to friction to the same degree as other functions in war. Logistics deals in large quantities of matériel, vast distances, and short response times; logistics em-

ploys formulas, calculations, and prediction to a greater extent than other functions. All of these actions are readily
impacted upon and disrupted by unforeseen events, our own errors, or enemy action. It is important to note that logistics units, installations, facilities, and resources are not merely subject to attack but, in many cases, are the preferred targets of military action. We must cope with friction in logistics in the same manner as we do in other aspects of warfighting. Despite the complexity of tasks and functions in logistics, we
23

Logistics

MCDP 4

must strive for simplicity both in the planning and execution

of logistics. Designing flexibility into the logistics system provides the means for adaptation to the changes resulting
from friction and for the exercise of initiative and creativity.

Uncertainty
All actions in war take place in an atmosphere of uncertainty. Uncertainty pervades battle in the form of unknowns about

the enemy, about the environment, and even about the
friendly situation. Because logistics deals chiefly with the physical aspect of war, we are tempted to believe that logistics is largely immune from the uncertainties of war. Logistics makes extensive use of precise calculation. Items are counted. Distances are measured. Formulas are used to predict outcomes that range from the amount of fuel a unit needs to make a road march of a given distance to the number and type of ships needed to move a given force from one point to another. Nonetheless, the uncertainty that is part and parcel of war ensures that these calculations, however necessary, will rarely be more than approximations. At times, moreover, the fortunes of war are such that the results of many calculations will bear little resemblance to reality.

We know how much a Marine needs to eat to maintain
physical strength and morale, but we do not know whether a particular shipment of rations will be destroyed by enemy action or lost in an accident. We can use our knowledge to calculate the amount of food a force will need to sustain itself
24

and rapidly implement alternative courses of action when initial assumptions and calculations are found to be in error. the capacity of various transportation systems needed to move that food. not eliminated. fluctuating flow of activity filled with unexpected
events and fleeting opportunities.
As with friction.
Fluidity
For all that friction does to inhibit deliberate action. such as casualties or the surrender of large numbers of enemy troops.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
for a given number of days. war itself is remarkably fluid. however. It must not come to rely on standard formulas and calculations performed too far in advance of actual operations. uncertainty on the battlefield can only be reduced. creating a con-
tinuous. Each episode in war is the temporary result of a unique combination of circumstances. that can greatly change the numbers of people who must be fed. and the human effort needed to turn that food into palatable meals. each merges with those that precede and follow it.
25
. The basic nature of logistics requires it to anticipate requirements based on assumptions and predictions in order to position resources where and when they may be required. respond to new requirements. We cannot. Rather. predict with any certainty the events. it is crucial that the logistics system also be able to adapt to changing circumstances. Nevertheless. No episode can be viewed in isolation. presenting a unique set of problems which require an original solution. nonetheless. The logistics system must be able to function effectively in an environment of uncertainty.

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Great advantages accrue to the military force whose logistics can adapt to changing circumstances and new situations. For this reason, logisticians must always be looking ahead, attempting to identify potential future actions and positioning logistics to support the next battle or even the battle after the next. To do this, they must have a thorough understanding of the commander's intent as well as an awareness not just of

their own situation but the situation at the operational and
sometimes even strategic levels.

The effect of fluidity and the ability of logistics to adapt
can be seen in an example from the Korean war. In December of 1950, the entry of Chinese divisions into the war converted

a highly successful pursuit by United Nations forces into a headlong retreat. A major factor in preventing this defeat from turning into a catastrophe was the rapidity with which
the United Nations logistics system adapted to the new situation and the simultaneous inability of Chinese logistics to do the same. More precisely, logisticians of the United Nations forces were able to quickly change the means by which any given part of the force was moved and resupplied. This ensured that rear guards had sufficient ammunition, that vehicles had fuel, and that necessary improvements to routes of march—which included an entire bridge airdropped to the 1st Marine Division—could be made. The Chinese, on the other hand, remained bound to their traditional, guerrilla-style, logistics system, which assumed that combat units could draw food supplies from a compliant civilian population and that ammunition consumption would be very low. In a situation
26

MCDP 4

The Nature of Logistics

where the civilian population was either nonexistent or actively hostile and where units might be required to make several attacks in a week, this failure of the Chinese logistics system to adapt to new conditions translated directly into the failure of the Chinese forces in Korea to properly exploit significant tactical and operational opportunities.'3

Disorder In war, friction, uncertainty, and fluidity combine to create a great deal of disorder. Even under the most favorable circumstances, plans will go awry, orders will be misunderstood, important messages will be lost, and units will be mixed. Disorder presents particular problems for logistics, which necessarily depends on what may be called the "orderly virtues"— economy, accountability, standardization, and regularity.

Because of the great benefits that derive from a wellordered logistics system, logisticians have sometimes made the mistake of trying to combat disorder by stubbornly enforcing procedures, even when the consequence of such enforcement is disaster. A classic example of this is the response of the British quartermasters who, at the critical moment of the battle of Ishandhlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, insisted on issuing ammunition "by the book." Men who lacked the proper requisition forms, as well as men who requested ammunition from quartermasters serving units other than their own, were turned away. As a result, the final

27

Logistics

MCDP 4

Zulu charge caught many British riflemen with empty cartridge boxes and thus succeeded in overrunning the entire
British position.

Not so disastrous in the short run, but nonetheless dangerous, is the belief that the disorder inherent in war is so irresistible that all considerations of economy, accountability, standardization, and regularity should be dispensed with. This belief, which was endemic to U.S. forces during the last years of World War Il, resulted in such waste, confusion, and de-

struction that the tempo of operations was considerably
slowed. Failure to properly account for supplies resulted in avoidable shortages of such things as artillery ammunition.
Widespread refusal to recycle gasoline containers exacerbated already severe gasoline shortages on the front lines with con-

sequent reductions in the ability of frontline units to exploit opportunities. Even something as simple as the littering of roads with tin cans and other garbage led to a shortage of truck tires which greatly hampered the ability of many units
to make long road marches.14

To deal with disorder, the logistics system must strive for balance. On the one hand, it must estimate requirements and distribute resources based on plans and projections; otherwise the needed support will never be available where and when it is required. On the other, a system that blindly follows schedules and procedures rapidly loses touch with operational

28

logistics enters into a tense and dynamic partnership with military operations. uncertainty. It is thus necessarily dynamic. above all. logistics makes an essential contribution to victory by generating and sustaining the forces that conduct military operations. fluidity.
A military operation is an inherently chaotic enterprise
shaped by the interplay of two or more hostile wills. Success or failure in bat-
tle does not always bring one side or another closer to its
original goal. It must balance the need to anticipate with the requirement to adapt and respond. Finally. Logistics must balance the need for economy with the requirement for redundancy and reserve capacity. a relationship in which both logistics and operations exert a powerful influence on
each other. In doing this. it must balance the need for efficiency with the need for effective support on a battlefield characterized by friction. Rather.
LoGIsTIcs AND OPERATIONS
Effective logistics is absolutely necessary to the conduct of war but does not. The outcomes and byproducts of battles and engagements are unpredictable. and disorder. The situation changes continuously and creates
29
.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
realities and inhibits rather than enables effective action. in and of itself. guarantee victory.

Logistics
MCDP 4
new possibilities for one or more belligerents to exploit. campaigns. By determining for how long it can continue to provide and sustain combat power. At the strategic level. it doesn't determine where the ball will go but sets a limit on how far it can go before being pulled back. and a piece of string. to keep them there. Russia in World War I and China during the Korean war had little difficulty raising large land
30
. logistics exerts a significant influence over the design and execution of military strategy. Logistics provides and sustains combat power. Because of these dynamics. and to have them engage in operations is directly influenced by the logistics ca-
pabilities of that nation. The result is tension between the desire to
design and implement an infinite number of creative and
adaptable operational schemes and the need to operate within the realistic boundaries imposed by logistical supportability. a ball.
The relationship between logistics and military operations can therefore be stated as: logistics sets the outward limit on what is operationally possible.
The relationship between operations and logistics applies at all levels of war and across the range of military operations. the results of military operations defy calculation. and tactics. a toy consisting of a wooden paddle. to concentrate them in a theater of operations. logistics establishes constraints for the application of this combat power. By determining how it provides and sustains combat power. the ability of a nation to employ
forces to achieve national objectives. Logistics is like the string. A useful analogy is that of a paddle ball.

Efforts to deliver aid to the most critically affected portions of the country were delayed by the lack of logistics infrastructure required to receive and process supplies as well as to support the military forces who would ensure the
31
. food. fuel. Axis forces unexpectedly captured the British fortress of Tobruk. On the other hand. and ammunition. Tobruk was a major British logistics base. Concentrating them in a theater of operations and keeping them supplied once there proved far more difficult. and the difficulties of moving supplies into the theater so overwhelming that otherwise successful offensives were frequently halted for lack of supplies. an example of logis-
tics opening an operational window also comes from the
struggle for North Africa during World War II.'5
Operations during the initial phase of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1992-93 demonstrate that the limitations imposed by logistics apply to military operations other than war as well. The capture of these supplies turned what had been a local offensive with limited objectives into a major threat to Allied control of the Middle East. well-supplied with trucks.
As a result. the transportation infrastructure so poor. the actual combat power brought to bear was only a fraction of the country's whole capacity.
A classic example of the limitations imposed by logistics at the operational level can be seen in the series of campaigns for control of Libya during World War II. Distances were so great.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
armies. the forces which could be employed were significantly limited. In the summer
of 1942.

logistic plans must be developed in concert with operational plans. Finally. and adaptability in the design and conduct of logistic activities. Whether that
means seizing a critical support facility prior to moving
against an operational objective. it will often be necessary to take specific operational actions to expand logistics capabilities. we must ensure that plans and operations always take into account logistic realities. it follows that one of our key objectives must be to ensure that limits imposed by logistics do not inhibit effective operations. We do this in several ways.
If logistics sets the limits.Logistics
MCDP 4
safe delivery of those supplies.
32
. logisticians must constantly strive to expand the limits of the possible by employing initiative. creativity. or reducing the size of a force to help reduce the volume of sup-
port required. Third. delaying an attack in order to build up the resources necessary to exploit the results. Second. First. That is. Marines could not bring the relief supplies inland until the necessary support facilities
were established in and around the coastal city of Mogadishu. commanders must consider logistics in the
development ofplans and the allocation of resources. This helps ensure that logistic plans can support operational designs to the greatest extent possible. operations must not ask for the impossible or intentionally overstep boundaries set forth by logistics.

it sets limits that restrict the options available to commanders. decisive. Logistic relationships and organization are inseparable from the web of relationships and organizations that make modem war possible. friction. positions those resources in the battlespace.
moral and physical forces. Violence and danger. While it does not determine the shape that operations take. and sustains them throughout the execution of operations. and disorder play roles in logistics that are similar to those that they play in other aspects of warfighting. fluidity. Thus. Logistic action is an essential part of military action. Since war is fundamentally a human activity. uncertainty. logistics is subject to characteristics of war. it is the human dimen-
sion that is paramount in logistics. Because it is an integral part of warfighting. Logistics is a key component of any and every operation of war. the greater the possibility for bold.MCDP 4
The Nature of Logistics
CONCLUSION
Logistics is an integral part of warfighting. the more flexible and far-reaching the logistics.
33
. Logistics provides the resources of combat power. and imaginative action.

.

—S. . "2
.Chapter 2
Logistics Theory
"A real knowledge of supply and movement factors must be the basis of every leader 's plan. and battles are won
by taking risks. to get military forces into a theater of war in superior strength and husband that strength until they shall prevail. A. Logistics becomes. in fact.
it [the description of logistics] precludes that view of lo-
gistics which sees it only as a game for the G-4s and the mathematicians—a game to be settled with loading tables. the very core of generalship. Marshall
. L.
—Napoleon
•
.
slide rules and transportation schedules. only then can he know how and when to take risks with those factors.

.

With the emergence of modern armies in the
37
. their own feet or a horse. this was generally done through foraging or local procurement. we turn to an examination of the theory of logistics. have influenced logistics directly. The primary logistics concern was feeding the army. Warriors brought their own weapons to the field and provided their own means of mobility. An understanding of the evolution of logistics provides key insights into the changes and challenges facing logistics in the future.
THE EVOLUTION OF LOGISTICS
Logistics is as old as organized warfare and. Some changes. This examination will provide insight into key aspects of this function that. the byproducts of the use
of new techniques and weapons.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
H
aving reached a common understanding of the nature of logistics. Other changes have been indirect.
It is possible to distinguish several general periods within the evolution of logistics. in turn. such as the introduction of new methods of transportation or new
ways of obtaining supplies. will serve as the basis for creating effective logistics. like war itself has evolved considerably over time.3 Premodern armies had relatively simple logistics needs. Changes in warfare often cause momentous and unexpected changes in the conduct of the logistics function.

mechanization of production significantly reduced the labor requirement. and even foodstuffs could be produced at a greater scale than ever before. ammunition. A second major change brought on by the industrial revolution was
the increase in lethality afforded by the application of new
38
. attacks on magazines. freeing up manpower for service in mass conscript armies. One of the major changes was the impact upon the scale of warfare. forces had to be largely self-sufficient. unwieldy baggage trains. The makeup of these armies and the
nature of warfare during this period generally discouraged the use of foraging or pillage as a means of supplying the army. In addition. machinery. and lines of communications became significant actions of war for the first time. Weapons.Logistics
MCDP 4
17th and 18th centuries came the initial development of dedicated logistics systems and services. In recognition of the importance of the logistics system to these armies. while the requirement to transport large quantities of provisions and other supplies inhibited tactical mobility. The logistics system required to sustain an army at once be-
came both a key limiting factor and a major vulnerability.4
The industrial revolution radically changed warfare and lo-
gistics. equipment. The introduction of can-
non and firearms created new requirements for supply and transportation services. As a result.
The need to establish magazines in advance of any campaign restricted strategic mobility. uniforms. baggage trains. This led to the creation of a logistics system consisting of fixed supply points called magazines and large.

Finally.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
technologies in weaponry coupled with the ability to massproduce both weapons and ammunition. As a result of these innovations.
The influence of these changes is clearly seen during
World War II. military forces grew larger in size. developments in transportation such as the railroad and steamship and later the airplane and automobile significantly enhanced the
strategic. Decisions on where and when to initiate campaigns were in large part resource decisions. Logistics considerations came to dominate the strategic and operational levels of war. The management of rail and shipping networks became crucial to delivering forces to the battlefield and sustaining those forces once they arrived.
The industrial revolution transformed logistics from an important aspect of warfare to an essential prerequisite for the conduct of war. and other supplies. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was precipitated by the perceived threat to Japan's access to strategic
39
. ammunition. Modern weapons and equipment created the need for new services such as maintenance and salvage as well as for new commodities like fuel and spare parts. Mass armies consumed vast quantities of food. The ability of a nation to translate industrial capability into military resources and its capacity to sustain the military effort became crucial factors in determining whether to go to war. operational. could deliver unprecedented
firepower. Major operations could not be conducted until the necessary buildup of troops and supplies had been effected by the logistics system. and were increasingly capable of rapid movement. and tactical mobility of armies and their support systems.

Better management in turn leads to greater responsiveness and efficiency in the provision of logistic support. The development of more capable weapons and equipment will likely result in a decrease in the size of units and a reduction in the quantity of equipment.Logistics
MCDP 4
resources. Sustainability is now considered a critical factor in the development and procurement of new weapons and systems. The information age will have significant effects on all aspects of warfare. Many of these effects will have a positive influence on logistics. Improvements in information processing and communications are already permitting better management of resources than ever before. acquisition of efficient and maintainable equipment will also reduce the logistic burden. and logistics is no exception. Modern electronics and information systems are making possible major advances in both equipment design and maintenance management.
40
. enabling us to draw upon resources and capabilities outside the military logistics system. The Allied grand strategy of "Europe First" was based in large part on the initial inability of the logistics system to support simultaneous offensives in both theaters.
The next major step in the evolution of logistics is only
now beginning to emerge. The evolution of open information networks and architectures will allow the exchange of data and processes with the commercial sector. Major operations such as the invasions of Normandy and the
Philippines were preceded by months of logistic stockpiling. This result should reduce the volume of logistic support needed.

anticipating and planning for their sustainment needs. creates a nonlinear array of forces with considerable separation between units and an intermixing of friendly and enemy forces to a greater extent than ever before. will require our logisticians to extend their reach.
41
. the increasing lethality and reach of weapons enables the engagement of targets at greater ranges than ever before. However. At the same
time. the information age will also present sig-
nificant new challenges for logistics. in turn.
One of the emerging trends is the expanding battlespace.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
At the same time. friction. Improvements in mobility are permitting forces to move more quickly over longer distances than ever before. While the prevailing characteristics of the information age are variety and rapid change. Greater distances between combat forces and their supporting elements.
where. as well as between the belligerents. we believe that the basic nature of warfare will remain much the same as it has always been: a violent collision of opposing wills driven by complexity. Knowing how. and providing the mobility necessary to deliver the required support will be a considerable challenge in the
extended battlespace of the future. compelling military units to disperse even farther in order to survive. This dispersal. and chance. and to what extent forces will be employed throughout
the battlespace. The battlespace of the future could also become relatively empty with much smaller forces possessing an increased destructive potential spread over greater intervals. the battlespace of tomorrow could be significantly different than the one we fight in today.

concentrate forces. but observation.
Another trend in future operations has been emerging for some time: the requirement for our forces to carry out a wide variety of missions. many of which lie outside the traditional definitions of war or combat. and engage targets more rapidly than ever before. While the basic principles by which we conduct combat and military operations other than war are similar. In the battlespace of the future. Forces that are primarily configured for operations in war are increasingly being required to conduct military operations other than war with little or no advance notice. or tempo. Advanced weapons and information systems provide the capacity to locate the enemy. The notion of generating ever-increasing speed over time. since logistics relies in large measure upon anticipation and planning to overcome the physical constraints posed by the mass of its commodities and the distances over which they must be delivered. decisionmaking. the subtleties
42
. and reaction interva's will become shorter and shorter. operations will be spatially dispersed. The resourcefulness and ingenuity of logisticians will be tested by the need to provide ever-moreresponsive support to keep pace with faster operating tempos. Lack of time presents a particular challenge to logistics.Logistics
MCDP 4
A second emerging trend is the continuing compression of reaction times during operations. Circumstances may require simultaneous execution of both types of operations or a transition from one type to the other as the nature of the military action changes. takes on greater relevance as we attempt to accelerate our information processing and decisionmaking to outpace that of our adversary's.

The complexity of the tasks involved in supporting a high technology force also increases as the sophistication of its weapons and equipment increases. location. In many cases. allies.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
in application may be extensive. multinational. Interoperability of our logistics capabilities with those of joint forces and agencies will be critical. The need for maintaining individual aircraft is more critical when there are 12 per squadron instead of 20. logistics functions assume a
preeminent role. and civilian populations. the adoption of new technology results in the substitution of quality for quantity. interagency operations. The need for effective management of assets is more apparent when there are a dozen precision-guided munitions available instead of 100 dumb bombs. increasingly.
43
. In efforts such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. or characteristics of the next contingency operation. the value and relative importance of each individual asset goes up. and. New and unique logistics capabilities will be required. our logistics system must be sufficiently flexible and adaptable to function across the range of military operations. Since we cannot predict the time. as commanders must consider
not only how to support their own forces but also those of other Services. in major wars as well as military operations other than war. The implication for logistics is that while the overall size of
the inventory goes down.
A fourth trend is the expanding use of advanced technology by military forces. participating nongovernmental organizations. These efforts are normally conducted as
joint.

I noifi
MCDP 4
A final trend is the ever-increasing integration of military logistics with the commercial world. While efficiencies may be gained through this integration. Many logistics concepts perfected in the private sector are currently being adopted by the military and. where the majority of ships are no longer owned by American companies. we must also exercise some caution. be amenable to mobilization under tense political circumstances? What effect might this
dependence have on our ability to move and sustain our
forces? Logistics will have to consider these difficult questions and provide practical solutions to ensure commanders receive the support necessary to conduct and sustain operations. Consider our reliance on commercial transportation for strategic mobility. and sealift infrastructure able to respond to singularly military needs? Will an increasingly international shipping industry. We cannot forget the unique re-
quirements imposed upon military logistics by the need to
support combat operations. in certain cases. An understanding of the evolution of logistics also gives us some insight into the challenges facing logistics in the future. Is our own commercial air. overland.
The evolution of logistics provides us with the perspective from which to examine the remaining aspects of logistics theory.
44
. It shows the importance of logistics to warfare through-
out history and demonstrates that the role and impact of
logistics have increased over time. major elements of our logistics capacity are under consideration for outsourcing.

such as inventory control methods. facilities.
45
. its place of origin. and urgency assigned. and maintain our
forces. then the elements of the logistics process are the means by which the transition is made. ordnance. Distribution is the means by which logistic support—matériel. distribution. Though usually a strategic responsibility. Distribution is a diverse process. The logistics process at any level consists of four
steps: acquisition. fuel.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
TIff LOGISTICS PROCESS
Using the evolution of logistics as a foundation. our study of logistics proceeds with a generic description of the logistics process. sustainment. incorporating not only transportation means but encompassing an entire distribution system composed of bases and procedures. acquisition can be accomplished at the operational and tactical levels through purchasing or securing locally available material and supplies. and repair parts. lift assets available. and disposition. clothing. transport. and personnel—get to the operational commander. (See figure 2. page 46. The means employed is predicated upon what is being moved. support services. and commodities such as food. equipment.)
Acquisition is the procurement of weapons. If logistics is the bridge which connects the resource capability of a nation's economy to its fighting forces. The elements of the process describe how resources are used to equip.

Logistics process. maintenance.
Sustainment is the provision of resources necessary to support operations until the mission is completed.
46
. and other services which ensure continu-
ing support through the duration of an operation. Sustainment facilitates uninterrupted operations through means of adequate logistic support. It is accomplished through supply systems.Logistics
MCDP 4
Figure 2.

equipment. Disposition makes a significant contribution to our ability to sustain forces over the long term and is an essential part of our fiscal and environmental responsibilities. transportation. and other services
which include legal.
The logistics process provides the framework for the conduct of all logistic activities. and morale and recreation services.
Logistics systems and plans are usually developed for each
47
. maintenance. The logistics process is
complete when supplies and services are used by the supported unit or they are returned to the supporting unit for redistribution. logistic elements are normally broken down into groupings of six related activities known as functional areas. and supplies. health services.
general engineering.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
Disposition is the consumption and/or return and disposal of weapons. exchange. disbursing. Commanders must plan for and supervise the process of acquisition. not inhibits.
FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF LOGISTICS
Because logistics encompasses a wide range of support activities. repair. sustainment. and disposition to ensure that logistics supports. distribution. These six functional areas are supply. food. salvage. postal. their operational designs. mortuary. or disposal. It shapes the design of our logis-
tics system as a whole and underpins the logistic plans
generated to support specific operations. billeting. religious.

For this reason. all functions must be integrated into the overall logistics system to ensure full support of the operating forces.Logistics
MCDP 4
functional area.
LEVELS OF LOGISTICS
Logistics encompasses a wide variety of activities that serve the needs of organizations as small as a fire team and as large as a coalition of nations at war. it is important to consider levels of logistics. transportation. operational. and general engineering services. just as we discuss levels of war. while each logistics function is essential in and of itself. the differences between the levels of logistics appear to be largely a matter of scale. the nature of logistic activities conducted at the strategic level are very different from those carried out at the tactical level. Logistics at the strategic level of war (strategic logistics) involves greater distances and greater amounts
48
. and logisticians commonly discuss support concepts in terms of these "commodity areas. At first glance. While the logistics process and functions cut across the levels of war.
Levels of logistics correspond directly to the strategic. Developing maintenance plans without regard to their impact on supply and transportation is foolhardy. and tactical levels of war." However.
maintenance. Health services support planning is impossible without considering supply.

in turn. Operational logistics. deploy. recruiting programs are initiated. somewhere else. Strategic logistics involves the management of air and sealift for strategic mobility and the sustainment of forces in distant theaters of operations.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
of materiel than logistics at the operational level of war (operational logistics). effectiveness. It is at this level that weapons and equipment are designed and purchased.
Strategic logistics should not be viewed as a function accomplished by someone else. and permanent bases are developed and maintained. Logistic investment made at this level determines the type and extent of support to the operational forces not only in numbers of personnel and quantity of food and ammunition available but also the quality. and sustain operating forces in the execution of the national military strategy. and supportability of the weapons and equipment we have to use.
49
. it is crucial to understand that the focus of logistic activities is significantly different at each of the levels of logistics. When long-term military operations are undertaken. with little or no impact on tactical logistics or the conduct of operations. Effective support of military evolutions depends upon the successful conduct and integration of logistic activities at all three levels. However. strategic logistics requires extensive interaction with the nation's industrial base to ensure• timely support of the military effort. involves greater distances and amounts of materiel than tactical logistics.
Strategic logistics encompasses the nation's ability to
raise.

contracting for host-nation support. It connects the logistic efforts of the strategic level with those of the tactical level. Taking resources provided from the strategic level. procuring resources not provided by strategic logistics. Operational logistics involves those support activities required to sustain campaigns and major operations. it makes them
available in sufficient quantities to the tactical commander to support the concept of operations. managing resources entails both the apportioning of resources among tactical forces based on the campaign plan and the rationing of resources over time to ensure sustainment throughout the duration of the campaign. Finally. Successful management of logistics at the operational level requires a thorough understanding of the commander's intent.
50
. Operational-level procurement involves coordination with joint support agencies.MCDP 4
Operational logistics addresses sustainment within a military theater of operations. the maintenance and employment of an effective transportation system. and support of the arrival and assembly of personnel and equipment as they reach the area of operations.
Providing resources to the tactical commander is accomplished through the development of intermediate and forward support bases. and the maintenance of an effective command and control system. It normally encompasses three tasks: providing resources to the tactical commanders. and managing the
resources necessary to sustain the campaign in accordance
with the intent of the operational-level commander. the development of detailed and flexible logistic plans. or even the capture and salvage of resources from the enemy.

a military organization must have a logistics system. For this reason. Tactical logistics draws upon resources made available at the operational level and focuses on the
provision of support within the force. A logistics system consists of personnel. While the focus of this publication is largely on the tactical level of war. transportation. It deals with the feeding.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
Tactical logistics is concerned with sustaining forces in
combat. general engineering. and maintenance of troops and equipment. organizations. arming.)
THE LOGISTICS SYSTEM
In order to perform the logistics function. facilities.
maintenance. training and
51
. Tactical logistics involves the actual performance of the logistics functions of supply. health services. (See figure 3.
page 52. it is important to restate that successful tactical logistics is dependent upon a strategic and operational logistics foundation. equipment. fueling. it is crucial that the Marine Corps logistics system be capable
of functioning at all three levels of logistics. A logistics system must be able to transform resources provided at the strategic level into measurable and
sustainable combat power at the tactical level. Strategic logistics forms the foundation from which operational logistics enables and sustains tactical lo-
gistics. and other services with resources immediately or im-
minently available.

education. All logistics
52
. and procedures which are integrated so as to sup-
port the operating forces. structure. A logistics system is tailored in
size.Logistics
MCDP 4
Figure 3. composition. and procedures to support the mission. and warfighting doctrine of its military force. Levels of logistics. Before
discussing the particular makeup and characteristics of the Marine Corps logistics system. it is important to develop an understanding of logistics systems in general.

MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
systems have two fundamental elements. In order to accomplish its objective.
Distribution Systems Distribution systems are made up of bases and procedures that are designed to process resources from the time they enter the military system at the strategic level until they are issued at the tactical level. the logistics system must have a place from which to provide resources—a base—and a method—distribution procedures—for moving the required resources from the base to
the tactical forces which need them. bases are the most tangible component of a distribution system. Their configuration may be as simple as the cache or as intricate as seabasing.
Whether providing simple or diverse services. providing the fixed points from which resources are acquired. maintained. Bases perform several functions besides the obvious purpose of accumulating supplies for later use. (See figure 4. maintenance of equipment. and organization and redistribution of assets. and they often act as the transition point from one form of transport to another (such as from intertheater air
or sealift to local rail or road transportation systems).' a distribution system.)
Bases. Options available for bases include permanent
53
. made up of bases and distribution procedures. Bases are an integral part of the distribution process. They form the foundation of the entire logistics system. Bases are a location for the provision of services. page 54. and distributed. and command and control.

forward bases. Permanent bases provide sustained support for large elements of the force. seabasing. They are normally established within the boundaries of the nation or a close ally where they can be fully developed and protected. Permanent Bases. Military organizations
whose primary responsibility is defense of their homeland
*7
Prepositioning
Figure 4. The expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps normally requires the employment of a combination of basing options to support a particular operation.—MCDP4
bases.
54
.) The choice of a particular type of basing depends primarily on the nature of the force and the area of operations. Distribution systems. and prepositioning. (See figure 5.

allies to provide strategic. forces maintain permanent bases within the continental United States and on the soil of U.S. In contrast.
55
.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
normally rely primarily on permanent bases to provide virtually all logistic support. The classic technique for overcoming the limits that logistics places on operations is the establishment of
Figure 5.and tactical-level logistic support network.S.
Forward Bases. Logistics basing options.and operational-level logistic support. these bases also are the core for the development of a forward-deployed operational. U.

the greater the odds that the people work-
ing there can focus their energies on the logistic effort. Army's 10 1st Airborne Division to support initial air assault operations during Operation Desert Storm. Forward bases serve a number of purposes. the most important of which is to increase the responsiveness
of the logistics system by moving the source of support as close as possible to the operating forces. however.S. In wars with well-established front lines. Modem equipment
and techniques make it possible for forward bases to provide almost every function of logistics.
In determining where and when to establish a forward
base. ranging from the performance of complex medical procedures through the overhaul of sophisticated weapons systems.5 The better protected a base is. almost all military forces have employed some type of forward base. Although absolute security is rarely achieved in war. bases are usually located behind the zone where actual combat is taking place. Historically. In campaigns characterized by rapid movement.or tactical-level logistic support.
56
. Such was the case with
Forward Operating Base Cobra established inside Iraq by the U. Forward bases are facilities established within the area of operations to provide operational. forward bases should be reasonably secure from enemy action. bases are sometimes established at times and places where their chief protec-
tion is the tempo of operations. there is an inherent tension between the need for security and the desire to provide responsive support.Logistics
MCDP 4
forward bases.

7 In the disaster relief effort
conducted by the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade after a
57
. a 6. the advantages gained by providing a highly secure environment must be weighed against the considerable benefits that come from locating bases as close as possible to the actual fighting.000-mile maritime supply line was used to support an invasion force of over 400 amphibious ships and almost 200. Grant reduced the rations carried by his soldiers from eight days to three.6
Seabasing. The advantages of this approach can be considerable.
A classic use of forward basing was illustrated by Grant's 1864 campaign against Richmond. positioned far enough ahead along Grant's route of march to support his movement
south to Richmond. Supplies were restocked from advance depots which had been staged along established rail and water routes.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
However.000 troops. During the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. Each corps was stripped to march with only about one-half its usual supplies. These benefits include the efficiency of transport and the speed with which the logistics system responds to the needs of the front. and operations in the littoral areas. Seabased logistics is the managed provision
of sustainment to units ashore from ships offshore. In order to increase the mobility of his marching columns. Ships and -boats have been used as forward bases in riverine operations. The result was a series of forward bases. amphibious operations.

freshwater condensers. Seabasing reduces the need to establish logistics facilities ashore. on the other hand.9 The movement of support between the seabase and shore is critical and must receive proper priority in the allocation of transportation assets. Navy and Marine units provided significant assistance to the host nation without the need to establish a presence ashore or draw resources
from the already overburdened local infrastructure. Certain kinds of ships can provide useful facilities. living quarters. The chief prerequisite to the use of ships as forward bases is friendly control of the surrounding water. can be sunk by a single torpedo. to include small hospitals. thereby reducing the footprint and vulnerability of the land-based portion
of the force. it takes considerable enemy action to destroy it.
Seabasing is not without its drawbacks. The most recent example of this took place in the Falklands war of 1982. antiship missile.
58
. If ship-to-shore transportation assets are limited. or mine. A ship at sea.8 Ships can serve both as a means of moving supplies into a theater of op-
erations and as mobile warehouses for resupply within that theater. and galleys.Logistics
MCDP 4
typhoon devastated Bangladesh in 1991. the need to move combat forces may conflict with the need to move logistics resources ashore. maintenance capabilities. where a British ship serving both as an improvised aircraft carrier and as a
depot for aviation supplies was sunk by a single Exocet
missile. If a forward base on land is properly laid out.

Prepositioning is a variation of forward basing. Prepositioning. difficulties in communications. and communications and information systems are rapidly improving the ability to perform seabased logistics. Generally it provided little more logistics capability than supply. aircraft. it often resulted in a loss of responsiveness due to time/distance factors. hospital assets.
Prepositioning is the staging of equipment and supplies in a forward location for use by a force at some future time. This enhanced capability.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
In the past. A seabased logistics system which employs these capabilities will often be able to provide logistic support with equal or greater flexibility and responsiveness than could be provided from forward land bases. however. Large countries preposition equipment near their borders for use by units or reserves stationed in the interior. While it provided for greater economy. will result in greater emphasis on seabasing in
the future. One
of the oldest and simplest forms of prepositioning is the
cache. coupled with the increasing requirement to reduce the dependence of our forces on all types of land bases. seabasing was appropriate only under limited circumstances. Today. landing craft. and the effects of weather on ship-to-shore movement. advances in amphibious shipping. Today. and limited maintenance facilities. military forces use prepositioning as a means of decreasing the time it takes to respond to a crisis by reducing the need to transport large
quantities of supplies and equipment to the area of operations. Nations with
59
. the technique of concealing a small quantity of supplies in a hidden location for later use.

supplies. providing the first heavy forces for the defense of Saudi Arabia. Prepositioned stocks may be stored ashore at permanent bases on the territory of allies or aboard military or commercial shipping. Included in these prepositioning programs are weapons and equipment to outfit combat formations.000 Marines was deployed a distance of 12. military forces in general and the Marine Corps in particular make extensive use of prepositioning. During the initial days of Operation Desert Shield. Within 11 days. and maintenance equipment needed to provide basic sustainment to a deployed force. medical. The resources of the prepositioning ships were used to sustain the MAGTF as well
60
. and the transportation. repair parts.Logistics
MCDP 4
commitments to an alliance may preposition stocks on the territory of their allies both as a sign of commitment as well as a means to increase responsiveness.S.
U. the 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade was fully combat-capable. a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) of over 15.000 miles to link up with prepositioned equipment and supplies on board the ships of Maritime Prepositioning Squadron Two.
The flexibility and responsiveness which prepositioning offers are illustrated by the employment of maritime prepositioning ships in support of recent operations. Forwardpositioned equipment and supplies are intended to bridge the
gap between the time a force's initial supplies run out and the time that strategic resources begin to flow into the theater of operations.

but the responsiveness of the support provided is also often greatly reduced. A force primarily organized for territorial defense will place much less emphasis on forward basing or seabasing than military forces structured for expeditionary operations.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
as the forces of other Services and allies while full logistics capabilities were being established in theater. A continental power will use a different type of basing scheme than a maritime power. Seabasing offers increased security in many situations but at a potential cost of
some degree of responsiveness.
We must consider a number of factors to determine which basing options to employ within a logistics system. Permanent bases located deep in the rear area are generally more secure than forward bases. but significant forces may be needed to defend these bases. Maritime prepositioning ships have also demonstrated their utility in supporting military operations other than war. Protection is normally afforded by locating bases at safe distances from direct combat or by allocating sufficient forces for base defense. providing support to humanitarian assistance operations in Somalia and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. forces used in base defense cannot be used for other operations.
The second major factor is security.
61
. Employing forward bases in close proximity to the front increases responsiveness. Bases must be protected. The most important of these factors is the basic mission of the military force.

The Navy-Marine Corps team has pioneered innovation in the conduct of logistics functions afloat. the Marine Corps employs a combination of basing methods. the maintenance of a high opera-
tional tempo will often depend on the speed with which forward bases can be established.
As a forward-deployed. The
choice of a basing scheme can influence tempo. An extreme example is provided by the Gulf War. As a naval
force. At the same time. expeditionary force-in-readiness. Examples include modern hospital ships. We use pennanent bases to carry out strategic logistics functions and to support the development of forward-deployed operational. and skilled
logisticians who can effectively manage those assets. the aviation logistic support
62
. prepositioning can generate tempo by reducing the demand on strategic transportation assets. it takes far longer to amass supplies or establish maintenance resources at a base than it does to expend or use them. For example. sufficient means to transport them to the forward base. preposi-
tioning can inhibit tempo if the equipment and supplies are
not prepositioned at the right locations.and tactical-level logistics capabilities. In that conflict.Logistics
MCDP 4
The final factor is tempo. This requires the investment of resources: having adequate goods and services. As a general rule. coalition forces spent 6 months accumulating supplies at forward bases but exhausted many items of supply in less than 100 hours of combat. Because it is far easier to expend supplies and services than to accrue them. the Marine Corps has always made extensive use of
seabasing.

it is possible to design a system that provides resources without any action on the part of the unit receiving support. Finally. there are two types of procedures that can be
employed to effect distribution. the other major component of a distribution system is a set of procedures. The logistics system provides resources from the bases in response to the request.
Procedures. it generates a request. Others are positioned close to the front in order to provide responsive support to the operating forces. Reduced to its sim-
plest form. This type of procedure is known as "demandpull" or simply "pull. Prepositioning has become an essential part of our logistics concept." At the other extreme. When a unit requires support of some type. the
Marine Corps uses forward basing once forces are established ashore. Some of these expeditionary bases are collocated with
a beach. To provide logistics resources to the forces from the bases just described. or airfield where they provide the necessary
links to seabased resources. allowing us to increase responsiveness and generate
tempo at the strategic and operational levels. The first places almost total responsibility on the unit needing support. Seabas-
ing will become even more critical in the future since the characteristics of future operating environments will require greater security for forces ashore and less reliance on developed infrastructure within the area of operations. Resources are delivered
63
. seabasing will become more attractive as emerging
technologies increase our capabilities to do seabased logistics. and the offshore petroleum distribution system. At the same
time.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
ship. port.

The push concept relieves the tactical commander of much of the burden to project logistics requirements and request the support. pure push systems usually lack the
flexibility to respond to the dynamic needs of combat.
Push logistics develops detailed plans for the provision of
support and provides resources on some type of schedule. The push concept requires accurate estimates for the tempo of operations and corresponding consumption rates. While normally associated with
supply. Maintenance teams can be moved forward in anticipation of future requirements. Underestimating results in shortages while overestimating results in unnecessary resources spread throughout the area of operations."
The push concept uses calculations of anticipated logistics requirements to position or deliver resources where and when they are likely to be needed.
64
. it provides regular and generally dependable support. the push concept can be applied to most logistics functions. Medical facilities can be prepositioned based on
projected casualty rates in certain sectors. the tactical commander may be overburdened by excess quantities of certain items while going short in others. This method is referred to as "supply-push" or simply "push. In addition. On
the other hand. because push logistics relies on anticipation and planning.Logistics
MCDP 4
to the base and automatically allocated among the units supported by that base according to planned schedules and formulas.

While pull systems may be more efficient. The supported unit takes on greater responsibility for anticipating and defining requirements as well as ensuring that those requirements are submitted in time to arrive where and when required. as well as a more responsive distribution network. The success of the pull technique has greatly improved with enhanced communications and information management. the operating unit directly controls the orders for resupply as well as calls for engineering. This permits forces to enhance their mobility by carrying the minimum quantities of supplies or sup-
port assets. However. and other support services.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
In the pull method. there will always be limits to the ability of any system to react to the uncertainties of war. Marine
65
. their effectiveness depends on the logistics system's ability to successfully react to the extensive requirements that may be placed upon it. maintenance. The benefit to the logistics system is greater
efficiency through the reduction in the overall quantity of resources required.
In war. The dilemma for the commander is
whether to rely on "push" support based on anticipated needs or on "pull" support as determined by user demand. The advantage is that the tactical commander receives only the support that is actually needed. communications between the operating forces and the support infrastructure may be limited or unavailable. consumption rates can be unpredictable. and delivery times
may be uncertain.

and ammunition.Logistics
MCDP 4
logistics traditionally employs a combination of both methods. water.) Initial sustainment is provided by the push method.
66
. units pull specific kinds
Figure 6. Tactical units receive rou-
tine support. Push versus pull distribution. At the same time. strategic and operational agencies push most of the projected logistic support into the area of operations based on the anticipated level of operations. such as resupply of food. (See figure 6. on a standard schedule based on their consumption rates and employment.

In this method. resources are staged at a base or other point and the supported unit comes to that base or point to obtain its supplies or services. The best distribution system in the world is useless without an effective means for using that system to take
67
. There are two principal distribution methods.
A related aspect of distribution procedures is the method used to actually deliver the resources to the supported unit. the two distribution methods are normally used together to effect the delivery of
resources. In supply point distribution. from task-organized combat service support units or detachments on an as-required basis.
Command and Control The second component of the logistics system is command and control.
Unit distribution is generally more responsive to the needs of the operating forces but requires the dedication of significant transportation assets. such as maintenance. engineering.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
of logistic support. the logistics system delivers supplies and services directly to the supported unit. The using unit is responsible for transportation to and from the supply point. The other method is unit distribution. The supporting logistics unit provides transportation to the supported
unit. While certain situations might require
the use of one method over the other.
Supply point distribution is more efficient for the logistics
system but places a greater burden on the supported units. and
medical services.

command and control helps the commander to recognize what support is needed and to see to it that the support reaches the units who need it. allocating resources. and dealing with
uncertainty.Logistics
MCDP 4
the necessary actions. Logistics must stay one battle ahead of operations in order to support the commander's intent and help shape the battle or campaign. the diverse nature of
the logistics requirements to be satisfied. In logistics. Effective logistic planning identifies future requirements and designs solutions to satisfy those requirements. Planning is crucial to all military activities. Logistic planning ensures that the necessary resources
68
. and the impact of time-distance factors on the provision of timely support. Logistics command and control aids the commander in accomplishing three essential tasks: anticipating future requirements. Command and control is fundamental to all military activities. given the quantity and variety of resources to be provided. Command and control is the means to ensure this effective employment of
resources. A critical task of logistics is to facilitate the effective
use of limited resources to support operations.
Command and control of logistics capabilities links the distribution system to the planning and execution of operations. but it is essential to the effective conduct of logistics.
Planning is the component of command and control that provides the primary means of anticipating future requirements.'0 Command and control is the means by which a commander recognizes what needs to be done and sees to it that appropriate actions are taken.

Most logistics systems employ a system of priorities to help resolve this dilemma. Whatever the cause for the shortage. and calculations can help to develop logistic plans. logistics has taken advantage of the increasing availability of modern communications and information systems. Information technology has enhanced the collection of usage data. formulas. we recognize that there are limits to what can be quantified and that logistic plans and calculations are only as reliable as the operational assumptions upon which
they are based. providing more detailed and accurate information upon which to base plans.
Logistic planning benefits from the scientific nature of logistics. and the processing of requirements.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
can reach the area of operations through force deployment planning and that all operations can be adequately supported
through sustainment planning. This may be the result of poor planning. or simply an unforeseen change in
the fortunes of war.
While planning can aid us in anticipating requirements. an unanticipated shift in the character of an operation. At the same time. the tracking of
assets. analytical methods. In this respect. we recognize that even the best supported forces will suffer shortages of supplies and services.
69
. Since logistics deals in quantifiable resources and tangible factors.
command and control must provide the means for allocating limited resources in accordance with the requirements of the situation. enemy action.

The use of priorities is
most critical in the allocation of combat-essential or lifesustaining resources such as ammunition or medical support. Sometimes the importance of a resource to a unit's continued effectiveness may determine priority. the unit carrying out the most critical task often receives first priority for support.Logistics
MCDP 4
Priorities constitute the relative order of need for a commodity or service. Command and control implements the priorities determined
by the commander. Distributors of virtually all commodities and services employ some type of priority system. Priorities for the distribution of scarce resources can also de-
pend on the pattern of battles and engagements as well as
what is happening in the overall campaign. In this scheme. the 1st Marine Division was surrounded near the Chosin Reservoir in northern Korea. not logistics. A
70
. The division needed significant supplies to fight its way out. but overland supply routes were cut off. Resupply of troops in the reservoir area became the first priority for the Combat Cargo Command of the Far East.
The value of establishing priorities in logistics was illustrated in the Korean war. For example. After the Chinese entry into the war. The establishment
of priorities and the allocation of resources in accordance with those priorities is a function of command." Priorities may be assigned based upon the
particular mission or tasks assigned. units with the most urgent need for supplies or services in order to keep operating will have first call on those resources.

stretched to its breaking point. rather than
hinder.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
massive aerial resupply effort followed.
Because the stakes of war are so high. organizations.'3
71
. logisticians must develop considerable expertise in solving a great variety of problems. In the fighting around Metz in the fall of 1944. and the needs of comrades-in-arms so urgent. In many cases. providing the division with the ammunition. and other supplies it
needed to conduct a breakout. In others. As the U. the cost of failure so great. there will be a pattern to these demands that suggests a change in approach that leads to a solution to the problem. logisticians will often be tempted to focus all of their energies on dealing the with unanticipated demands on an ad hoc basis.S.'2
We recognize that uncertainty is an inherent characteristic of war and that it will be impossible to anticipate and plan for all future requirements. rapid and responsive problem solving. food. American logisticians were overwhelmed with emergency requests for 60mm mortar ammunition. Logisticians spend much of their time dealing with unanticipated demands. at that time. supply system was. fuel. for example. For this reason. The command and control procedures. logisticians decided that the way to deal with these requests was to fabricate mortars that could fire the supplies of 50mm mortar rounds that had recently been captured from the enemy. and support structure that aid logisticians in
their work must provide flexible tools that aid. this will be appropriate.

as we attempt to find the proper balance between effectiveness and efficiency. While it may seem that we should include margins for error in all our calculations. This reality creates an inherent
tension. relieving the supported unit of most logistics responsibilities. We could provide each unit with supplies and services not just for its immediate needs but for any possible future needs. Command and control would be highly decentralized with each unit having its own full-service logistics organization and capability. we could devote all our attention to effectiveness. we must usually
accept a degree of inefficiency to ensure effectiveness or must sacrifice some measure of effectiveness in order to achieve greater efficiency.'4
If we had unlimited resources. Consider the use of
margins for error. We must be careful. not to equate the effectiveness of logistics simply with the quantity of goods and services which are provided.Logistics
MCDP 4
EFFECTIVENESS VERSUS EFFICIENCY
Successful logistics requires both effectiveness and efficiency. Planning factors would include generous safety margins to ensure resources were always available. this practice can sig-
nificantly reduce the overall effectiveness of the logistics
72
. Providing too many supplies can be
as disruptive as not having enough. however. While we would like to obtain total effectiveness and
complete efficiency in our logistics system. Distribution would be based on a push system and would use the unit distribution method of delivery.

MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
system and degrade the quality of support it provides. We would rely primarily on supply point distribution. filling requirements only in response to a specific request. and account for as necessary stocks. As
the situation changes. and distribution." we must strive to make accurate requirements forecasts and be prepared to adapt and innovate when those forecasts fall short of the mark or when weather. minimizing the burden on the logistics system to deliver supplies and services. Logistic planning would con-
tinuously refine formulas and calculations in an effort to achieve increasing precision in predicting requirements and
allocating resources. We would attempt to reduce the amount of resources on hand to the lowest possible level. Service requirements that were overestimated can result in overabundance at one point
and deficiencies at another. our logistics system must have the
flexibility and responsiveness to make the required alterations in the chain of production.
Rather than attempt to provide "a little extra. providing
73
. transportation. store. Margins for error translate directly into the need to procure additional items. we would probably use a pure pull system. or some unforeseen circumstance renders those predictions obsolete. and increased strain on storage and transportation. increased inventory at many points in the distribution chain.
On the other hand. if the objective is simply to maximize efficiency in our logistics system. distribute. enemy action. Supplies that are superfluous are just as expensive
to buy and just as ponderous to move. just in case.

Logistics
MCDP 4
little or no safety margin to deal with unforeseen occurrences. military logistics is attempting to apply logistics techniques developed in the commercial sector where "just-in-time" inventory management and improved methods for forecasting demand are well established.
The essential lesson of this discussion is that we must balance effectiveness and efficiency in the conduct of logistics. but operational readiness and the requirement
74
. effectiveness in the support of operations takes precedence over efficiency. Logistics must consider not just efficiency and costeffectiveness. in con-
sidering the adoption of these techniques for military purposes.'5 Methods that prove efficient in peacetime
will not necessarily succeed under the far more demanding
conditions of war.
In an effort to improve efficiency. However. Business is focused
on the provision of a product or service in a safe and cooperative environment. logisticians can never forget that their objective and the environment in which they operate differs significantly from that of their business counterparts. the ability of a parcel service
to deliver a package anywhere in the world in a matter of hours is based on the assumption that no one is shooting at
the aircraft canying that package. For example. We should not hesitate to employ any technique which offers a means to increase our capabilities. Efficiency contributes to effectiveness. Command and control would be highly centralized in an effort to ensure positive control of all assets at all times. While we always need to consider efficiency in our logistics system.

we conclude with an examination of approaches to logistics.
75
. colonial armies in the 19th century. and levels of logistics. functions. as do certain modern
guerrilla groups.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
to deliver support in an environment characterized by violence. danger.) While no force achieves complete independence from use of local resources. fluidity. 18th century European armies. we must ensure that efficiency does not become an end unto itself Effectiveness should always be the defining feature of our logistics system.
APPROACHES TO LOGISTICS
Having studied the evolution. process. The force brings with it everything it needs to sustain its efforts. (See figure 7. and modern naval forces most closely approximate
self-sufficient forces. as well as the elements of logistics systems. Ancient armies that lived by foraging used this approach. page 76. We must sacrifice some measure of efficiency to maintain effectiveness. Furthermore. At one end of the spectrum is com-
plete dependence on outside sources for support. At the other end of the spectrum is total self-
sufficiency. uncertainty. Military
units which have no organic support capabilities draw all sus-
tainment from the local surroundings. We can place approaches to logistics on a spectrum according to their degree of independence. and disorder. friction.

fuel.I
MCDP 4
Figure 7. trained. While they normally have organic logistics organizations to satisf' unique military requirements for ammunition and maintenance. rely heavily on local procurement for basic commodities such as water. and equipped for overseas service. and deployability. food. the vast majority of military units are designed to fight within their own countries or on the territory of an immediate neigh-
bor. Expeditionary forces are often explicitly designed. even those configured for forward deployment. Around the world. Forces organized for territorial or home defense generally have limited logistics organizations. They do not expect to fight far from their permanent bases and can draw on local sources for basic supplies.
A military force's approach to logistics must be tailored to its own warfighting philosophy or strategy. most armies and air forces.
In contrast. Their organization and equipment emphasize economy. Conventional armies and air forces have extensive support requirements. Expeditionary forces
76
. Approaches to logistics. forces developed to conduct expeditionary operations tend to be more self-sufficient. flexibility. or construction material.

Many universal items like fresh water. The nature of the operations we conduct and the environments in which we operate demand an approach to logistics that emphasizes
self-sufficiency.MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
often operate in areas where resources or infrastructure are limited. have delivered from a permanent base. Naval forces configured for expeditionary operations are the most self-sufficient. The Marine Corps.
CONCLUSION
We have examined a variety of theoretical aspects of logistics. is a naval force designed for expeditionary operations. lumber.
77
. self-sustaining. Consequently. or fabricate every single item it needs. and adaptable to the
most austere environments. an expeditionary force must be prepared to carry.
In practice. or
even sand are not reliably available in these parts of the world. They are capable of conducting operations independent of support from
permanent or forward land bases for an extended period. The evolution of logistics demonstrates that warfare and logistics are inextricably linked. changes in warfare can have a profound impact on logistics while changes in logistics capabilities can in turn alter significant components of warfare. They are self-reliant. most military organizations use a mix of organic capabilities and locally procured resources to sustain their operations. however.

and flexible and responsive command and control. The discussion of the functions and levels of logistics illustrates the scope. complexity. We noted that Marine forces must make use of a variety of basing options. and command and control as key elements.Logistics
MCDP 4
The evolution of logistics also shows that the relative importance of logistics as a function of warfare has been steadily increasing.
78
. The logistics process provides a framework around which to build a logistics system. a combination of push and pull distribution procedures. and interrelationships of logistics and demonstrates that a logistics system must be capable of carrying out all six functions and operating at all three levels of logistics in order
to fully support the operating forces. ranging from complete self-sufficiency to total dependence. Finally. we discuss the features of a Marine logistics system based on the characteristics described above. distribution procedures. We concluded that expeditionary warfare requires the Marine Corps to provide forces that are largely self-sufficient. we identified bases. we compared approaches to logistics. In the next chapter. In examining the
makeup of any logistics system.

. Brabham
. logistical demands is to flow your resources to the focus of effort—the highest priority need at the time. they start from zero. Combat logistics is second nature to All this translates to an innate reMarine logisticians. —C.
. E. well2 trained Marines
—J. build sustainabilily ashore to support operations across the entire spectrum of combat with the entire range of logistics. This requires flexibility. A. Mundy. Pioneering logistics troops.
. Jr.Chapter 3
Creating Effective Logistics
"When Marines go ashore. .
. in the form of intelligent.
"The way to meet.
sponsiveness and relative ease of movement.
.

.

logistics must enhance. What obstacles must our logistics system overcome. and responsive.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
A
cknowledging the basic nature and theory of logistics outlined in the first and second chapters. the next battle. we must ensure we do not sacrifice combat effectiveness for the sake of efficiency. At the same time. What are the characteristics of effective logistics. our logistics
must be effective yet efficient. It is important that our logistics system does not have overstocks and inefficiencies that drain our combat power. and how can we best incorporate them into our force?
THE CHALLENGE TO LOGISTICS
Let us review some of the challenges facing logistics. adaptable. our operational designs. Next. we must build a logistics system that extends those limits as far as possible. since we recognize that friction and uncertainty will make it impossible to anticipate all requirements. we can now discuss how to make logistics work for us. It must be able to respond to unanticipated demand and rapidly shift support to exploit opportunities as they arise in the battlespace. Finally. our logistics system must be flexible. and what must it accomplish? First. While we know that logistics establishes the limits of what is operationally possible. and the battle after next. our logistics system must anticipate requirements. not inhibit. Second.
81
. positioning support in advance of stated needs in order to facilitate tempo and enabling us to fight the present battle.

I naitip
MCDP 4
We must accept some measure of inefficiency in order to provide the margin of safety required to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Said another way. we must guard against logistics becoming an end unto itself. an approach to warfighting that emphasizes rapid. and supplied.
logistics units and logisticians who move and maintain those forces must not only be able to support maneuver warfare but must also apply its precepts to their own actions. If Marine forces are to execute maneuver warfare.3 Because this approach is primarily concerned with the enemy.
82
. generate tempo. and exploit opportu-
nities. and ensure that logistics is always focused on the support of operations. it is easy to think that maneuver warfare has little to do with logistics. and particularly the destruction of the enemy's cohesion.
MuviiR WARFARE
Our logistics capabilities must first and foremost support our
warfighting philosophy. their actions have a significant impact on the ability to gain an advantage over the enemy. This is not true. managed. The practice of maneuver warfare has fundamental implications on the way a force is organized. focused effort. and decentralized adaptation. moved. Marines are guided by the philosophy of maneuver warfare. tactical and operational flexibility. All Marines must understand how logistics influences the conduct of maneuver warfare. While logistics units normally do not directly attack the enemy.

Marines attempt to identify the adversary's centers of gravity. The aim is to present the enemy with a series of dilemmas in which events happen unexpectedly and more quickly than the enemy can react to. if exploited. not restrict. preventing the enemy from disrupting our efforts simply by striking at our logistics. The unit or task organization which will perform the key actions against this target is the main effort. and to locate critical vulnerabilities which. We must protect our logistics bases and units while building redundancy into our logistics system. At the same time. can help us destroy. Logistics
must provide us the flexibility to avoid attacking an enemy's strength and the agility to exploit opportunities and to strike at known weaknesses. It must expand.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
Centers of Gravity and Critical Vulnerabilities Maneuver warfare focuses on the enemy. those elements from which the enemy draws strength. Our logistics capabilities must allow us to seek out and exploit these critical vulnerabilities. neutralize. or undermine the cen-
ters of gravity. Identifying the focus of effort and designating a main effort to concentrate on the focus of
83
. we must ensure that our logistics capability does not become a critical vulnerability that our foe can exploit. The enemy elements on
which we will concentrate are the focus of effort.
Focus of Effort and the Main Effort Identification of the enemy's centers of gravity and critical vulnerabilities helps us to concentrate our efforts on objectives most likely to achieve success. our operational possibilities.

All essential activi-
ties require some degree of support. We cannot support the main effort at the exclusion of all others. the inclination in favor of the main effort excludes resources or activities that cannot have a timely effect on the battle or campaign. our logistics capabilities must be focused. not just logistics organizations.
however. Nonetheless. the main effort is first in line for most resources. As a rule. Likewise. water. even if that support is limited to basic life support such as food. Units not at the main effort can enhance its logistic support by reducing to the lowest possible level their use of resources that are useful
84
. the main effort should have the highest priority for scarce supplies and services. that the main effort should be burdened with resources that it does not need. and medical assistance.
All units contribute to the provision oflogistic support to the main effort. This does not mean. Providing too much or the wrong kind of resources can hinder the main effort as much
as a lack of support. Neither does it imply that we should consider only the needs of the main effort.Logistics
MCDP 4
effort are the commander's bid to achieve a decision. It is at the main effort that a given resource is most likely to have the greatest impact on the outcome of the battle or campaign.
Like our combat and combat support capabilities. in the absence of a compelling reason to the contrary. The
commander ensures that all forces support the main effort either directly or indirectly.

An
effective logistics system enables us to quickly focus combat power and sustains that combat power throughout the course
85
. Superior tempo allows us to seize the initiative and dictate the terms of combat.
We also recognize that opportunities in the battlespace are fleeting and that the enemy will try to protect critical vulnerabilities. in effect staying one phase ahead of the current battle. It must be able to anticipate developments and position resources to support future requirements. As the situation changes. Our logistics system must provide the flexibility and agility that enable us to exploit opportunities as they present themselves.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
to the main effort. At the same time. the commander may designate a new main effort or even change the focus of effort. Logistics makes a critical contri-
bution to the generation and maintenance of tempo. These resources include supplies. Tempo is the consistent ability to act fast. forcing the enemy to react to us. to sustain rapidity of action over time. the logistics system must adapt to unforeseen circumstances and be able to shift the logistic focus in concert with any shift in the main effort. and the attention of those responsible for the overall logistic effort. We seek to operate at a higher relative tempo than the enemy.
Tempo Maneuver warfare depends heavily upon the use of tempo. both as a means of exploiting opportunities and as a weapon in its own right. the services of logistics units.

there will be no room for the assembly line mentality. and repairing or replacing damaged equipment. repositioning forces. military. who will have to possess a wide range of technical. They must exercise considerable initiative. we must be careful not to mistake haste for energy.Logistics
MCDP 4
of operations. Logisticians at all levels must be aware of the full
scope of the operation so that. Finally. is rarely compatible with a high tempo of operations. Maintaining tempo requires that logisticians be extraordinarily alert. and priorities may shift frequently. In
high-tempo operations. Supporting tempo requires logistics units to operate at a high tempo. expanding rather than limiting the commander's operational possibilities. doing what needs to be done as soon as it needs to be done. and leadership skills. at any given time and place. in which a person is trained to do a small number of highly repetitive tasks and then insulated from other duties. displacements are often rapid and frequent. Logistics can maintain tempo by rapidly delivering supplies. While the techniques used to provide services at times resemble the
classic assembly line. Overspecialization. a responsive logistics capability enhances tempo by anticipating requirements and adapting to new requirements. facilities are usually austere. confuse sloppiness
86
. Greater demands will be placed on junior leaders
and individual Marines. they understand what needs to be done to keep it moving forward. In seeking to support a high tempo of operations.

they cannot waste time waiting to be told what is required of them. Like all other participants in an operation. A clear understanding of the intent becomes the basis for unity of effort and the exercise of initiative. Maintaining a high tempo of operations requires deliberate action tailored to the needs of the moment.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
with boldness. or substitute activity for action. However. This shared under-
standing allows logisticians to make informed judgments
about such things as the allocation of resources. A logistics unit operating at a high tempo may not seem busier than a similar organization operating at a slower tempo. Rather.
87
. the best techniques for moving units and supplies. and the best approach to providing various services. "What is the best way for me to use my limited time and resources to help my supported unit fulfill its
mission?"
Commander's Intent
If logisticians are to support a high tempo of operations. they must make a concerted effort to understand what the commander is trying to do and the commander's plans for doing it. each action performed by members of the unit operating at
high tempo is more likely to be a purposeful one and less likely to be a matter of habit or routine. not self-generated friction. That is to say. every member of a logistics unit operating at a high tempo must constantly ask. logisticians must internalize the commander's intent to the point where it becomes the common property of the entire force. The commander's intent describes the purpose of the assigned task.

and selfsustaining. and decisive operations required by our warfighting philosophy. One of the immediate effects of the German offensive that began in March 1918
was the psychological paralysis of the command structure of the British Expeditionary Force. it did not hinder logistics units from effectively participating in the defense. These
forces eventually brought the attack to a standstill. British logisticians were able to make the best use of remaining resources to support the deployment of
provisional combat units and operational reserves. While this breakdown precluded the issuance of coherent orders for a number of days. self-reliant. fluid. Thanks to a shared understanding of the defensive battle developed during a series of discussions held the previous winter.Logistics
MCDP 4
The value of the commander's intent can be seen in all sorts of operations but is most obvious in situations where formal communications break down. it is essential
to support the Marine Corps' warfighting philosophy with Marine-style logistics. Marine logistics provides the unique capabilities which make Marine forces rapidly deployable.5 Therefore.4
MARINE LOGISTICS
Logistics is a Service responsibility. The Marine logistics system is designed to meet the particular demands of naval expeditionary operations and the peculiar needs of high-tempo.
88
.

Units. An expedition-
ary force's value lies in its ability to reach a distant area of operations in a timely manner. boat spaces. and equipment that can perform multiple functions and provide significant capabilities in a variety of missions are more useful than assets which are specialized for the conduct of a single function or mission. We must build our forces with deployment and sustain-
ment in mind.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
Expeditionary operations project combat power over great distances. Forces must be able to deploy far from their home bases and fight effectively when they arrive. Naval expeditionary operations require an approach to logistics that emphasizes self-sufficiency and capabilities tailored to function in the littoral environment. We must consider sustainment requirements in addition to operational capabilities in designing our force. and sustain the effort until the mission is accomplished. we must always remain conscious of our limited transportation assets. Aircraft seats. project power at the required time and place. This has specific implications for the force as a whole and the logistics system in particular. Our organization and equipment has to be
efficient as well as effective. While our forces must have the required capabilities. capabilities which
89
. weapons. The conduct of expeditionary operations from
the sea places additional demands on the expeditionary force.
Marine forces must be designed for expeditionary operations. and cargo capacity are valuable commodities which must be used wisely. The force must be largely independent of land bases and capable of responding to a wide variety of missions on short notice.

our logistics capability must be flexible and economical. or host-nation logistics resources when we conduct extended operations ashore. Our logistics must provide the self-sufficiency required to execute naval expeditionary opera-
tions. It must be able to function in austere environments without reliance on permanent bases or a developed infrastructure.Logistics
MCDP 4
cannot be maintained or supplied are useless in an expeditionary environment. While our logistics capability must be largely self-sufficient. or in the littoral region where the two environments meet. Our logistics system must be naval in character. Doctrine.
Like the forces it supports. It must be able to exploit the advantages
inherent in naval operations through the seabasing of logistics
and maritime prepositioning. It must have the flexibility to support
90
. and training and education must emphasize discipline in the use of resources and the ability to adapt basic capabilities to meet the requirements of many different scenarios. ensuring continuous support of forces ashore. capable of operating with equal agility on land. it must be able to freely and rapidly transfer resources from ship to shore. It must be able to create or deliver all of the supplies and services required to sustain the force. procedures. theater. we must possess the infrastructure and interoperability to draw
from national. At the same time.
Marine logistics must be able to build logistics capabilities where no capabilities exist. at sea.

Our logistics system must contribute to this capability. It must be able to shift its focus and adapt to rapid changes in the course of a campaign or major operation.
Core Capabilities Logistics must be tailored to the conditions under which a military force operates.
An additional characteristic of naval expeditionary forces is the ability to "recock. To provide the forces necessary for
expeditionary warfare. These core capabilities cut across
the three levels of logistics and encompass all six logistics
functions. It must provide this flexibility without pausing to reconfigure or deploy additional assets. we must also place an emphasis on regenerating that combat power once it has been
expended.
91
. The logistics system must not take up more space or consume more resources than are absolutely necessary." Our forces can complete one mission. Our logistics system must have the agility and redundancy to do more than one thing at a time. We cannot afford to sacrifice combat power in order to carry excess capacity. and move on to the next task without hesitation. the Marine Corps must possess certain core logistics capabilities.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
the variety of missions our forces will be called upon to execute. We must consider redeployment as well as deployment in designing our capabilities and ensure that we can depart with the same urgency as we arrived. Generating combat power is not sufficient. reembark.

and effectively manage the flow of resources from the strategic to the tactical level. the capability to reconstitute and redeploy forces for follow-on missions. sustainment. facilities required for the maintenance of unique Marine equipment and the provision of Service-specIc supply items. and sustain expeditionary
forces.
If the Marine Corps is to fulfill its role as a fighting force for regional contingencies. Strategiclevel core logistics capabilities are embodied in an acquisi-
tion system. the ability to coordinate with joint. and reconstitution and redeployment of Marine forces in theater. regenerate forces. deploy. and host nation agencies for provision of continued support. bases and stations. it must possess operational-level core logistics capabilities to support force closure. and operational-level command and control for the effective planning and management of operational-level logistic efforts. Operational-level core logistics capabilities include the establishment of intermediate and forward support bases. prepare and stage units for deployment.
If the Marine Corps is to practice maneuver warfare within
the littoral regions of the world. it must have tactical-level
92
.Logistics
MCDP 4
In order to generate. mobilize forces. and effective Service-level
command and control of logistics. other Service. the Marine Corps must have strategic-level core logis-
tics capabilities which enable us to procure weapons and equipment. the ability to support the arrival and assembly areas for troops reaching the theater.

logisticians gain situational awareness. facilitating their ability to deliver flexible and responsive support when
confronted with changing circumstances.
93
. Planning also provides the basis for adapting to
new situations. It establishes the framework for the execution and coordination of logistic support in accordance with the commander's intent and the concept of operations. services. through their participation in the planning process. It assists us in anticipating requirements and positioning resources to meet those requirements. The objective of
Marine logistic planning is to match the deployment and sustainment activities of our logistics system to the logistic re-
quirements of the operating forces. transportation systems to effect distribution. health services. Tactical-level core logistics capabilities required are supply and maintenance systems to provide materiel readiness.
Planning Successful logistics begins with planning. Planning provides the means to evaluate the feasibility of various tactical options and to determine the adequacy of resources to support them. and tactical-level command and control which links operation plans and the resulting logistic requirements to logistic capabilities and responses.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
core logistics capabilities which can deliver flexible and responsive combat service support to meet the needs of the forces engaged in operations. general engineering.

Because of our expedi-
tionary nature. Force deployment and sustainment plans must be developed concurrently to ensure that the required combat elements can be deployed and sustained to accomplish the mission.I nuictie
MCDP 4
Logistic planning encompasses all three levels of planning: conceptual.) Concep-
tual planning establishes overall objectives and develops
broad concepts for action. At the tactical level. force deployment planning and sustain-
ment planning.
Functional planning involves the development of general plans for the conduct of specific warfighting functions such as aviation.
94
. Logistic functional plans establish the overall logistic support concept and lay out the framework for the development of detailed plans for specific logistics functions. fire support. intelligence.6 (See figure 8. or logistics. Both are critical to the development and
maintenance of combat power within the area of operations.
Participation in conceptual planning also provides the logistics planner with the understanding needed to develop func-
tional and detailed logistic plans that can support the
operation plans. logistic functional planning develops the concept of combat service support. Marine logistic functional planning at the
strategic and operational levels usually encompasses two related planning areas. and detailed. functional. Logisticians must participate in the commander's conceptual planning to ensure that operational
concepts under consideration can be supported by the resources available and that logistic factors have been taken into account in the development of the operational design.

Detailed planning
works out the particulars of execution
objectives already
provided.
Functional planning
designs supporting plans for discrete
functional activities.
based on goal &
How to do it
Figure 8.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
What to do & why
Concept planning
establishes goals &
objectives as well as
broad schemes for
achieving them.
95
. Levels of planning.

We strive for three primary characteristics in the development of logistic plans: integration with operation plans. Detailed plans are developed for embarkation. transportation. calculate resources required. It is important to remember that effective
detailed planning depends on the establishment of sound functional logistic plans and integration with the conceptual
plan for the operation.Logistics
MCDP 4
Detailed planning uses the broad designs of conceptual planning and the framework of functional planning to make comprehensive plans for execution. supply and resuppiy. provision of maintenance and health services. coordination. moving. detail a number of options for the provision of logistic support. we meet the requirements of a crisis by adapting an existing plan to the current conditions or by rapidly developing a new plan which provides the basis for supporting the operational concept. in fact. In deliberate planning. we practice and improve our planning techniques.
Planners must be sensitive to the time available. In rapid planning. we use time to develop our knowledge of the area of operations. In addition to developing the plans themselves. detailed planning. during deliberate planning. flexibility. Logisticians must be able to plan in both deliberate and rapid planning situations. and simplicity. and sustaining forces. and test and refine the resulting logistic plans. or technical issues involved with directing. Much of logistic planning is. and other logistics functions. analyze potential requirements. Detailed planning works out the scheduling. If our logistic plans are to expand the
96
.

It is incumbent on the commander to ensure that the concept of operations is logisticly supportable in every phase of execution.
Logistic plans must be flexible in order to deal with the uncertainties of war and adapt to changing conditions in the bat-
tiespace. and avia-
tion plans just as representatives of those functions must
participate in the development of logistic plans. operations.
97
. be integrated with operation plans. These plans may even have specific branches and sequels to the basic logistic plan so that we can anticipate requirements related to the course of future operations.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
limits of our operations. the logistician. logistics planners must be intimately familiar with the details of intelligence. integration is aided by the development of mutual understanding and implicit communications among the commander. they must. Integration is
achieved in part by designating a main effort and providing a clear statement of intent around which all aspects of the operation are planned. Flexible logistic plans support the execution of a
variety of different operational courses of action. and the rest of the staff during training evolutions. shortfalls. We build flexibility into our logistic plans by providing a number of ways to provide sup-
port so that minor oversights. first and foremost. fire support. Finally. Participatory planning means
cooperation both horizontally and vertically within the organization. or unforeseen circumstances will not undermine our efforts. It is also achieved by ensuring that the planning process is participatory. involving the commander and all members of the staff.

personnel
and equipment densities. We ensure that the underlying intent behind the concept is understood. in the air. consumption rates.Logistics
MCDP 4
Finally. Logistics planners employ complex tools such as usage data. A good logistic plan recognizes that in warfare the simple becomes difficult and the difficult seemingly impossible. Logisticians must develop plans that rapidly deploy large forces over vast distances and that sustain those forces by providing huge quantities of resources and a wide variety of services while engaging in high-tempo operations on land. We build our logistic plans around simple. this does not necessarily mean that the resulting plan must also be complicated.
98
. and at sea. our logistic plans must be as simple as the situation allows. Providing logistic support to Marine forces operating in an expeditionary environment is an inherently complex task. We at-
tempt to limit the number of actions required in the plan to the minimum. reducing the requirement for detailed and explicit instructions covering every eventuality. compelling concepts. and other data bases and information systems in an effort to calculate requirements and match resources to those requirements. asset tracking systems. We rely on methods and standing operating procedures developed and perfected during training to reduce
the complexity of specific logistics processes. While the problem facing the logistician is complex and the
methods used to develop a solution may be sophisticated.

through preparation. facilitating the generation and maintenance of tempo. A commander's ability to control the logistics system and adapt to changing circumstances can have a significant effect on the flexibility and momentum of
operations.
99
. and provides responsiveness to the requirements of the operating forces.7
Logistics must make the most effective use of limited assets in order to generate and sustain combat power. Logistics command and control
enables us to monitor unfolding events. and implement those decisions quickly.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
Command and Control Planning makes up an essential and significant part of command and control. Command and control of logistics helps ensure the effective employment
of resources in the face of competing demands raised by
forces engaged in operations. Command and control of logistics
capabilities provides the means for implementing our logistic
plans and for modifying those plans based upon unfolding events. Effective command and control of logistics helps to anticipate demand. enables the tailoring of resources to specific needs. to adapt to them prior to execution. Planning provides the means to anticipate future requirements and. make sound and
timely decisions on resource allocation. We must also be able to adapt to situations as they unfold.

it is the people.
BUILDING CAPABILITLES
An effective logistics capability is made up of many components. doctrine. we employ greater centralized control at the strategic and operational levels of logistics and attempt to decentralize the performance of tactical logistics functions to the maximum extent possible. centralized control provides the commander with the flexibility to allocate critical resources based on changing conditions or in response to new opportunities. those who are supported by the logistics system and those
100
. procedures. Thus. Organization. More than anything else. education and training. In general.i uiti
MCDP 4
Because of inherent tension between the limited availability of resources and the widespread need for those resources. we seek to achieve a balance in the degree of control used by our logistics system. The most im-
portant element in any logistics system is the people who
make it work Marines are the key to the execution of effective
Marine logistics. personnel. In addition. logistics generally requires greater centralization of control than other military functions. At the same time. Centralized control helps make most efficient use of resources in environments where operating forces are competing for limited assets. and the ability of individual units to exploit opportunities. we recognize that centralization can inhibit responsiveness. and equipment all contribute to the development of a responsive logistics system. initiative.

whether it supports the decisive maneuver of
friendly forces or aids the enemy by contributing to friction. not the exclusive province of technicians or specialists. and responsiveness—before turning our attention to the other key aspects of our logistics system. that operation plans are supportable. They supervise the logistic effort. They do this in several ways. the commander supports the efforts of logisticians. They ensure that logistics considerations are integrated throughout the planning process.
Leadership Like all endeavors in war. and that the logistic plans which will generate and sustain the unit's combat power are developed in conjunction with those operation plans. ensuring that they are an integral part of the team and encouraging their exercise of boldness and initiative while carrying out the commander's intent. who determine whether it will suc-
ceed or fail. They provide a clear statement of intent and the specific guidance required to focus the logistic effort. we will discuss the human factors critical in building an effective logistics capability—leadership. effective logistics depends upon
leadership. For this reason. amplifying and clarifying guidance
when necessary and lending the commander's influence
where required to ensure the unit receives the necessary support from outside agencies. attention to detail. Logistics is a command responsibility.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
who provide the support. just as they lead all other aspects of their command. Finally. discipline.
101
. Commanders must lead the logistic effort.

102
.
Discipline
Discipline is another critical factor in providing effective logistics. Just as in combat or combat support units. leadership in logistics units strives to build teamwork. and a willingness to exercise initiative."
an ever-increasing requirement for unnecessary resources which reduces both effectiveness and efficiency.Logistics
MCDP 4
During operations. Requests for unneeded resources clog the system and block the distribution of
needed material. Said another
way. Discipline starts with the commander. these demands create what has been called the "snowball effect. effective leadership is the key to effective logistics. logistics sections and units must perform complex tasks under difficult and dangerous conditions. mutual
trust. Aggressive and enthusiastic leadership from officers and non-
commissioned officers is required to ensure effective performance.8
A logistics system enforces discipline through the establishment and administration of priorities and allocations. when repeated across an entire force. Nevertheless. Discipline is required because demand will almost al-
ways exceed available resources. Overstating the urgency of a request for support undercuts the system and results in the diversion of resources from the main effort. Demands for excess support—that little extra "just in case"—can place an extraordinary burden on the logistics system. no set of procedures will be effective without the commitment of the people who use and operate the system to make it work.

these will involve alterations to existing procedures
103
. and interests to the greater good of their unit. Each of these. has a logic of its own. In war. equipment. establish the relationships between small problems. among other things. Selfdiscipline makes it possible for individuals to subordinate their personal needs. The logistician must be able to un-
derstand. and medical services. the logistician must use the full powers of a Marine leader to devise and implement systematic solutions. air-
craft. and their country. in all its complexity. In solving these
problems. as in most other human endeavors. the reality represented by a
long list of items or the abstract codes on a computer printout. desires. money. ports.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
The commander of a unit must set the standards and enforce discipline within it. In most
cases. For this reason. and discover the root causes of big ones. and a scared Marine to go into harm's way to
make a repair or deliver ammunition. self-discipline enables a hungry Marine to distribute ra-
tions fairly. roads. their Service.
The logistician must be able to see patterns that arise from raw data. the most important form of discipline is self-discipline. a logistician must be a master of detail. people. water. ships.
Attention to Detail Logistics is a highly complex enterprise in which no simple theories or easily learned management techniques can substitute for detailed knowledge of a wide variety of subjects. food. fuel. Discipline must also extend throughout the organization. a tired Marine to doublecheck the details of a requisition. Logistics involves dealing with.
moreover. ammunition. More specifically.

Logistics
MCDP 4
and. A responsive logistics system makes logistics a force multiplier. at the right place. and other parts
of the logistics system help develop responsiveness in the
system. information systems. procedures. usually more important. a mixture of training and educa-
tion that alerts other Marines to a problem and empowers
them to deal with it. a nonresponsive logistics system is an anchor holding back the efforts of the entire organization. Not only are logisticians responsible for identifying and providing the tangible. but also through their service they provide reassurance and peace-of-mind that the needs of the force will
always be met.
104
. but it is the attitude and skills of the people who oper-
ate the system that determine whether it will be responsive. Stated simply. quantifiable elements of making war. It is through responsiveness that we build confidence in our logistics system. responsiveness is the ability to provide the right support. Logisticians understand that war stimulates requirements which cannot be predicted through usage rates or maintenance schedules. at the right time. For this reason.
Responsiveness Responsiveness is often the yardstick by which effective logistics is measured. It is in responsiveness that the real alliance between logistics and operations is either established or dissolved.
Planning. responsiveness is an essential characteristic of logistics.

" To be responsive. learn my plans. In an April 6."0 Moreover. and who could direct the harmonious working of the
whole machine.
105
. 1864. Being an efficient
order-taker is not enough. logistics must be flexible enough to accommodate the ebb and flow of operations. This is not a new concept. logisticians must possess a broad operational perspective. and a notable sense of innovation.9 Knowledge of the plan and commander's intent facilitates the anticipation of requirements. We must develop and nurture our logisticians to ensure they have the necessary skills to make this happen. routes of march. Situational awareness and tactical experience alert the logistician to the possibilities of what might happen in the fluid battiespace. superior technical skills. initiative. Sherman described the ideal commissary officer as one who "would con-
verse with me freely. the strength of my
various columns. and everything. General William 1.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
If they are to anticipate requirements and provide responsive support. flexibility. Logisticians must thoroughly understand the commander's intent and concept of op-
erations in order to formulate the functional and detailed
logistic plans. letter to the Commissary General. "the logistics officer needs to position himself far enough forward to stay abreast of the tactical situation and react quickly to changing operational
demands as he sees them developing. They must have a thorough knowledge of tactics and operational art and understand how the commander thinks—factors which do not always maximize the potential for logistic efficiency. nature of supplies.

all our logistics capabilities are designed to enable us to carry out the philosophy of maneuver warfare.
providing the basis for harmonious action and mutual understanding. techniques. our operational possibilities. It forms the foundation for the development of detailed tactics. This logistics doctrine establishes a common perspective for the conduct of the logistics function throughout the Marine Corps. progressive process of development. logistics doctrine requires the execution of logistics in a manner which allows us to seek and exploit opportunities. logistics doctrine provides the basis for education and training in logistics. and procedures for the execution of various logistics processes. and to help generate and sustain a high tempo of operations. to develop a
concept of logistic support in accordance with the commander 's intent and the focus of effort. not restrict. It establishes the way we practice our profession. Because logistics is an integral
106
.
Education Professional military education is a continuous. they come to understand the techniques and procedures of their particular military specialties and the interrelationships between different fields in the Marine Corps. Likewise. As developed in this publication.Logistics
MCDP 4
Doctrine Doctrine represents the fundamental teachings of our profession. All Marine Corps doctrine is based on maneuver warfare. to expand. Finally. logistics doctrine is derived from our doctrine of maneuver warfare. As discussed earlier. As leaders progresses.

and learn the procedures and techniques for requesting and receiving support. and geography. war games in which players are required to consider logistic factors and make decisions about logistics. know how the logistics system works. Before they can determine the utility
of a particular technique for combat service support. as well as the playing of war games. logisticians need to develop particular insight into logistics itself. and the functioning of the logistics system. organization. Marines must be educated in the capabilities and limitations of logistics.
technology. the traditional means of studying the art of war as a whole. the interrelationship of logistics and operations. theory. Thus. all Marines must develop a sound understanding of the importance of logistics. it must begin with the study of the larger art of war. the professional education of the logistician cannot focus merely on the techniques and procedures of the logistics system. Building upon their knowledge of the larger art of war. Most importantly. are as useful to logisticians as they are to any other
military professionals. they must understand how and why logistics sets the limits on operations and what
they must do to ensure effective support for their units.
particularly the study of military history.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
and inseparable part of warfare. and the technical
107
. Before logisticians can judge the soundness of a particular approach to operational logistics. Resources available for this include studies of the role played by logistics in particular campaigns. they must understand the character of the supported force. the characteristics of our logistics capabilities. they must understand the design of the campaign.
Likewise.

Integrated training among logistics units and the units they support is essential.
Exercises which use garrison resources or methods to provide logistic support do not provide effective training for logistics units and create a false sense of security in the minds of supported commanders. An effective logistics capability is developed through continuous. Combat and combat support units must practice logistic procedures in conjunction with their regular training. Logistics units must conduct unit
and collective training. Integrated training builds an appreciation for each other's capabilities. Logistics capabilities must be stressed and tested in a realistic manner during training exercises.
Training Training is the key to combat effectiveness. All Marines must be trained to
carry out their personal logistics responsibilities from the maintenance of individual weapons and equipment through the exercise of proper logistics discipline. developing teamwork while mastering the tactics and techniques required to provide effective support. Finally. it is critical that training prepare Marines to function effectively in the envi-
ronment of combat. and challenging training. limitations. progressive. and requirements while providing the opportunity to develop and refine support concepts and procedures.Logistics
MCDP 4
literature dealing with all of those things—from transportation infrastructure to information technology—that have an
impact on logistics.
108
. Marines in the logistics specialties must master the techniques pertinent to their particular occupatknal field.

however. businesses. In addition. Those who use a procedure must be able to understand its purpose as well as the methodology behind what they are doing.
Standard procedures are. Procedures assist in
our effective conduct of logistic operations by helping to overcome friction and guiding actions in an environment of
uncertainty. the easier it will be for Marines to coordinate with outside agencies. Well-designed and properly employed. Finally. The
closer the resemblance between the forms. cannot be reduced to a pattern.
Poorly designed or improperly employed. Our use of
logistic procedures is always guided by the commander 's in-
tent and the priorities which result from the application of that intent or other commander's guidance. practices. This understanding not only increases the chances that the procedure
will be used properly but also reduces the temptation to work
around the system when there is no need to. facilities. there is much to be
gained by the use of standard procedures. or even the support of a specific unit. standard procedures can deprive logisticians of the power to act. and equipment. and procedures used within the Marine Corps and those of the outside world. a double-edged sword.
They can also help impose discipline in the logistics process.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
Procedures While logistics as a whole. standard procedures can help integrate logistics capabilities across the three levels of logistics and among the vari-
ous agencies that participate in the logistics process. standard
procedures can simplify routine tasks and thus greatly increase the efficiency with which certain duties are fulfilled. a
109
.

we attempt to ensure unity of effort. effective command and control. maintenance. the specific
combat service support capabilities resident in a particular MAGTF will be tailored to the anticipated requirements of the MAGTF's mission. efficiency in the employment of resources. the organization of most logistics units is
based on a particular logistics function: supply. Marine logistics organizations reflect the central requirements of all Marine organizations:
deployability and the flexibility to task-organize. and engineering battalions are examples. This type of organization provides efficiency in the
110
. They should be designed for simplicity so that we can master them easily and perform them quickly under conditions of uncertainty and stress.
Our logistic procedures should be designed for simplicity and speed. responsiveness to the supported units. In develop-
ing the logistics organization appropriate to a particular
situation. However.
In peacetime. motor transport.I naitipc
MCDP 4
procedure whose purpose and function are well understood is
less likely to be used in circumstances where it does more
harm than good. the MAGTF. Every MAGTF has an inherent combat service support capability. and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. Thus. medical. They should be designed for speed so that we can generate tempo.
Organization The Marine Corps employs a basic organization for the conduct of operations.

standard logistics organization. To support the 92. Logistics personnel must be flexible and creative in their ability to tailor their organizations and equipment for a variety of missions and environments. they must thoroughly understand their own capabilities as well as how their capabilities complement those of other. trained. However.000 Marines participating in Desert
111
. and equipped components of their units capable of operating independently from the parent organization. implementing this type of organizational concept presents a different challenge than employing a single. Commanders of logistics units must be able to provide manned. contingency. logistics units in supporting the overall operation in order to rapidly create an effective. Finally.
The flexibility and capability inherent in Marine logistics organizations was demonstrated during Operation Desert
Storm.
This organizational concept helps provide commanders with the support they need while using limited logistic resources effectively and efficiently to carry out the overall operational design.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
delivery of services in response to a wide variety of garrison. Taskorganized combat service support elements or detachments provide logistics capabilities tailored to the anticipated requirements of specific operational units. our logistics organization usually combines a number of functional capabilities into a single unit. integrated combat service support element. For operations. or training and exercise requirements.

The capabilities of each of these detachments were tailored to the needs of the supported operational unit and appropriate elements of the combat service support detachment were designed to accompany the supported unit as it advanced into Kuwait.
Equipment and Technology
Equipment used by the Marine Corps must be supportable.Logistics
MCDP 4
Storm. the Marine Corps deployed two full force service support groups made up of almost 14. logistics considerations should be balanced with performance characteristics to re-
duce rather than increase logistics requirements whenever possible. our equipment must be deployable by our strategic. It was organized largely along functional lines and ensured the receipt of services from the ports and
airfields and their delivery to the major tactical formations. To function in the
expeditionary environment. our equipment should be efficient
112
.000 Marines and Sailors. The result was a fully integrated logistics organization which provided the full range of logistic support from the arrival of resources in theater through the delivery of specific supplies or services to units engaged in tactical evolutions. and tactical transportation systems.'2 The 2d Force Service Support Group provided direct support to the combat forces. It was organized into a number of taskorganized combat service support detachments. In developing new weapons or systems. operational.
The 1st Force Service Support Group primarily carried out
general support logistics functions for the entire Marine expe-
ditionary force. To meet the requirements of a force-in-readiness.

because of the close connection between logistics and the civilian worlds of commerce and industry. that used by logisticians should be simple. data transmission. equipment used in
military logistics often has to be compatible with existing standards of size. the desire to preserve a single standard for rifle ammunition prevented the acquisition of a weapon that would have had a revolutionary impact on the battlefield. we must buy not only the individual weapons or systems but the maintenance capabilities. robust. Finally.
113
. This leads to a strong prejudice in favor of using off-theshelf rather than custom-designed equipment for the performance of logistics functions. we must take a long-term approach. voltage. In this case. weight. parts. however.
Like other Marines.MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
to oprate and easy to maintain. Technology is becoming increasingly important in the execution of all military functions. in procuring weapons and equipment. is not an end in itself. We employ technology in logistics to enhance the performance of our logistics personnel. and the
like. Standardization. and training required to keep the equipment operational throughout its life
cycle. In addition. We should pursue standardization to ease the problems of interoperability and increase the efficiency of the logistics systems. logisticians make use of a great deal of equipment. The case of the officer who pre-
vented Union acquisition of repeating rifles during the
American Civil War illustrates the limits of standardization. and adaptable. Like other military equipment.

I noktip

MCDP 4

In this way, logistics information systems act as a force rnulti-

plier in the battlespace. They enhance logistic planning and execution by helping to process support requests, track resources, store consumption rates and usage data, estimate

future requirements, develop schedules, and monitor the
progress of ongoing activities. Logistics information systems contribute to situational awareness by exchanging detailed information among various logistic elements as well as among logistics operations, and plans sections. These systems also aid in communicating decisions concerning the allocation, distribution, and movement of assets. We use technology to automate routine functions and improve the flow and value of information within the system. At the same time, we realize that technology is a tool to assist us; technology does not provide the understanding and judgment required to operate an effective logistics system.

CONCLUSION
Logistics is an integral and inseparable part of war. Our approach to logistics recognizes and accepts war as a complex, uncertain, disorderly, and time-competitive clash of wills and seeks to provide the commander with the physical means to win in this environment. We seek logistics capabilities that extend our operational limits and that allow us to anticipate requirements while remaining flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the changing conditions in the battlespace. Marine
114

MCDP 4

Creating Effective Logistics

logistics capabilities are based upon our warfighting philosophy of maneuver warfare. Our logistics support and enhance the conduct of operations which are oriented on the enemy, have a specific focus of effort, are conducted in accordance with the commander's intent, and help generate and maintain a high tempo of operations. Marine logistics are expeditionary in nature and naval in character. They are built on core capabilities at the strategic, operational, tactical levels; they are conducted through integrated and flexible planning and the exercise of responsive command and control. People are the foundation of Marine logistics. Marine logistics depends upon the exercise of leadership, discipline, attention to detail, and responsiveness by both the users of the logistics system and the persons who work within that system. Our doctrine, education, training, organization, procedures, and equipment provide the means for implementing Marine logistics. These components of our logistics capability reflect the unique requirements of maneuver warfare and our expeditionary nature. Together with our personnel, they provide a common basis for the conduct of effective logistic activities across the range of military operations.

115

Jr. Roger Lewin.
3. 1992). Logistics in the National Defense (April 1989) p.. Complexity: Life on the Edge of Chaos (New York: Macmillan. For ad-
ditional reading on complex (adaptive) systems: See M. Gedanken eines Soldaten (Leipzig: Hase & Koehier. 159—63. Mitchell Waldrop." Marine Corps Gazette (July 1987) p. M. Gray.MCDP 4
Notes
The Nature of Logistics
British Army Doctrine Publication. 9. or in the administration or operation of military services or forces. Gray. "The fact that in the study of the theory of war a variety of activities and functions are grouped together under the broad title of
'logistics' does not necessarily mean that all of these functions
should be grouped under 'the logistic division' or any similar single title in fleet.
1992). was 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. army. or Kevin Kelly. 44—47. theater. Gen A." FMFRP 12-14. Out of Control: The New Biology of
117
.. Command and Control (October 1996) pp.
(June 1996) p. Logistics
1. "Training the Fleet Marine
Force.
LtGen Alfred M.
4. 1-2.
2.
Hans von Seeckt. Complex systems and complexity is discussed more fully in MCDP 6. Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (March 1994) p. 15. Joint Pub 1-02. Jr.
6. 1936) pp. or service organization. Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos (New York: Simon & Schuster. 221. Volume 3.
5.

see BGen Charles C. 1989) pp. MA: Addison-Wesley. David J." Proceedings (November.
10. 160—164.
This base (designated Al Khanjar) covered 11. CT: Praeger Publishers.
1991) pp. In addition. For a detailed description. 55—57. 1994). and ammunition to support 2 divisions for 15 days.Logistics
MCDP 4
Machines: The Rise of Neo-Biological Civilization (Reading.280 acres and 8. 1995). For a full account of this operation see Col James L. 4 days before the start of the ground war. For Want of a Nail: The Impact on War of Logistics and Communications (London: Brassey's. Work began on the base on 6 Feb 1991 and was completed 14 days later. fuel.
9. 1982) passim. Frum. the base had the third largest Navy hospital in the world at that time. A Division of Greenwood Press. see Charles Schrader.
118
. Yale University. Logistical Factors in the Fall of South Vietnam (Masters Thesis. For a more extensive treatment. 98—107. contained enough food. water.
7. Jones' article "Operation Provide Comfort: Humanitarian and Security Assistance in Northern Iraq." Marine Corps Gazette (November 1991)
pp.
Krulak's article "A War of Logistics. Communist Logistics in the Korean War (Westport. The base was created in response to a change in the MEF's operations plan which projected a simultaneous attack by two Marine divisions. The best short description of the relationship between the Inchon landing and the North Korean logistics system can be found in Keimeth Macksey.

Mao 's Military Romanticism. Marine Operations in Korea. DC: Headquarters.
119
.
12. 1957). Proceedings. 1944 (Westport. The best short discussion of the Chinese situation in December of 1950 is Lyim Montross' and Capt (USMC) Nicholas A. the best sources are contemporary articles published in such journals as Marine Corps Gazette.
13. For the details of United Nations logistics. 1994)
p. U. to be published by Greenhill Books. see Shu Guangs Zhang. London. 131. The discussion of logistics in North Africa in World War II is taken from the manuscript of inside the Afrika Korps.S.p. For Chinese efforts to adapt their logistic system during the Korean war. Waddell.
in 1997. China and the Korean War. Steve R. For a full discussion of the human dimension in war as well as other characteristics of war discussed in this section. Warfighting. (Washington.S.
15. Quartermaster Review. Volume Iii of U. and Ordnance. KS: University Press of Kansas. 1995) pp. edited by Bruce Gudmundsson.MCDP 4
Notes
11. Waddell. chapter 1.
14. Canzona's The Chosin Reservoir Campaign. Military Review. 1950-1953 (Lawrence. Marine Corps. 131.
165—176. CT: Greenwood Press. United States Army Logistics: the Normandy Campaign. see MCDP 1 (formerly FMFM 1). 1950-1953.

For a full account of Forward Operating Base Cobra. 246—247. 1977). For a full discussion of the evolution of logistics. 1992) pp.
5. see Martin van Creveld. 1994).Logistics
MCDP 4
Logistics Theory
Naval Doctrine Publication 4. Volume V (August 1989) p. Industrial. The Conduct of War.
2. F. 1789-1961.
4.
Col S. Victory and Occupation. and Russian Revolutions on War and Its
Conduct (Minerva Press. see
Tom Taylor.
Edward Hagerman. Lightning in the Storm: The 101st Air Assault Division in the Gulf War (New York: Hippocrene Books.
J. 36. C.
FMFRP 12-34-V. History of US.
6. Organization. 1968) pp. and Field Command
(Bloomington. The Soldier's Load and the Mobility
of a Nation (Quantico. L. The American Civil War and the Origins
of Modern Warfare:
Ideas.
7. 3—4.
The Marine Corps Association. VA:
1980) pp. A Study of
the French. Naval Logistics (January
1. Fuller.
120
. Supplying War: Logistics from Wallenstein to Patton (New York: Cambridge University Press.
1995) p. 22—23. 70. A.
3. Marshall. Marine Corps Operations
in World War II. IN: Indiana University Press.

4. 1987). or by assignments to common. 6." Proceedings (November 1991) pp. by Ian Brown. chapter 7. 14. 1914-1918. E. 1900-1918 (London: Allen & Unwin. Planning. see MCDP I (formerly FMFM 1).
3. except when logistic support is otherwise provided for by agreements with national agencies or allies. was 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
From an unpublished work. 1st Service Support Group. Jr. Warfighting. or cross-servicing. joint. and the Emergence of Modern Warfare.Logistics
MCDP 4
Creating Effective Logistics
1.
Per Joint Pub 4-0. MajGen Brabham
was Commanding General. The Logistics of the British Expeditionary Force. the Western Front. Gen Carl E.. 1-7. Doctrine for Logistic Support of Joint operations (January 1995) p.
BGen James A. during operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. "Training. Brabham. see Tim Travers. Education Were the
Keys. "Naval Expeditionary Forces: Stepping Lightly. Mundy.
2. Jr. For a description of the paralysis of the operational command system. Gen C.
5. chapter 4. each Service is responsible for the logistic support of its own force. The Killing Ground: The British Army. The levels of planning are discussed in detail in chapter 2 of MCDP 5. Mundy. For a full discussion of maneuver warfare." Marine Corps Gazette (February 1993) p.
122
. 5 1—54.

Thorpe.: 1997-424-442
. 52. see FMFRP 12-14. The organization which provides operational-level logistic support will be designated the Marine Logistics Command (MLC). Pure Logistics: The Science of War Preparation (Washington. S. I. Hayden and LtCol G. 24 for a discussion on the supply of Sherman's army during the Atlanta campaign. T.
10.
For a full discussion of the snowball effect.
12. For a complete discussion of the relationship between planning and command and control. The lessons learned from the use of this particular organiza-
tional arrangement are being incorporated into a concept for
operational-level logistic support. 52. see FMFRP
12-14. 102—113." Proceedings (October 1990) p. and MCDP 6. chapter 1. Wilson. 185—195. see MCDP 5. chapter 3.
11. DC: National Defense University Press. 1986) p. P.
8. p. "The Tail that Wags the Dog. See George C.MCDP 4
Notes
7. Hayden and Wilson. For further discussion of the role of discipline in logistics. LtCol H.
123
U. 0. pp. G.
9. pp.